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Mark Muyskens

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4403

J. Chem. Educ., 2006, 83 (5), p 768A

DOI: 10.1021/ed083p768A

Publication Date (Web): May 1, 2006

Abstract

In this Activity, students easily extract a fluorescent substance from shavings of a wood called narra. The fluorescence is dramatically pH dependent and can be turned on and off repeatedly using commonly available acid and base solutions. The striking blue fluorescence is the result of absorbing light from a black light and in response emitting longer wavelength visible light. Sunlight and standard fluorescent room lighting can also cause the solution to emit the blue fluorescence. A yellow filter will block the ultraviolet (and violet) light but not the fluorescent emission.

Keywords (Audience):

Elementary / Middle School Science

Keywords (Domain):

Analytical Chemistry

Keywords (Feature):

JCE Classroom Activity

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives

Keywords (Subject):

Fluorescence Spectroscopy

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Citing Articles

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This article has been cited by 3 ACS Journal articles (3 most recent appear below).

Classroom Activity Connections: Lessons from Fluorescence
Aoife MacCormac, Emma O’Brien and Richard O’Kennedy
Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (7), 685-686
- Classroom Activity Connections: Lessons from Fluorescence
  Aoife MacCormac, Emma O’Brien and Richard O’Kennedy
  Journal of Chemical Education2010 87 (7), 685-686
  This Classroom Activity Connections paper describes an extension to the JCE Classroom Activity #68 “Turning on the Light”. A number of additional common items that display fluorescence under UV light are described, including fruits, vegetables, and ...
  Abstract | Full Text HTML | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
More Thoughts on the Narra Tree Fluorescence
A. Ulises Acuña
Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (2), 231
- More Thoughts on the Narra Tree Fluorescence
  A. Ulises Acuña
  Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (2), 231
  The source of L. nephriticum and the substance responsible for the intense blue fluorescence in an earlier published demonstration may require further consideration.
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links
The Fluorescence of Lignum nephriticum: A Flash Back to the Past and a Simple Demonstration of Natural Substance Fluorescence
Mark Muyskens , Ed Vitz
Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (5), 765
- The Fluorescence of Lignum nephriticum: A Flash Back to the Past and a Simple Demonstration of Natural Substance Fluorescence
  Mark Muyskens , Ed Vitz
  Journal of Chemical Education2006 83 (5), 765
  This article describes a simple but visually striking demonstration of fluorescence from the aqueous extract of the tropical hardwood Pterocarpus indicus. It illustrates the first recorded observation of fluorescence, noted over 400 years ago when the ...
  Abstract | Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links