Luminol

Chemical Luminescence

Purpose: To produce electromagnetic radiation through a chemical reaction.

Procedure:

Solution 1

Measure 0.4 g of NaOH.

Dissolve in 100ml of H₂O.

Add 0.02 g of Luminol and dissolve.

Solution 2

Measure 10 ml of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach).

Mix with 90 ml of H₂O.

In a dark room pour solutions together.

Observe the reaction.

Questions:

What is the color of the resulting electromagnetic radiation?

What is the frequency of this radiation? Use an approximation for the wavelength found on the spectrum chart.

What is the energy of this radiation?

Explain how this radiation is produced.