Production of light chemical reaction examples

Examples of Inorganic Chemical Reactions that Emit Light

Written by Serm Murmson

Inorganic chemical reactions involve compounds without carbon atoms. Some of these chemical reactions emit light as the chemical compounds react. When light is emitted as a result of the chemical reaction, the reaction is said to be chemiluminescent. In many cases, this light is combined with heat energy, as in combustion reactions. Other times, little or no heat accompanies the light.

White Phosphorous and Oxygen

The combination of white phosphorous and oxygen results in a combustion reaction. Solid white phosphorous, or P4, ignites in the presence of oxygen gas. This reaction forms phosphorous pentoxide, or P2O5. This combustion reaction occurs spontaneously when white phosphorous is in the presence of oxygen. It burns immediately, emitting light and heat. Due to the spontaneity of this reaction, white phosphorus is typically stored in water.

Magnesium and Oxygen

Solid magnesium ribbon also undergoes a combustion reaction in the presence of oxygen. The outcome of this reaction is MgO, or magnesium oxide, and energy. This energy is emitted in the form of light and heat. The light emitted in this reaction is bright white light. For this reason, magnesium is commonly used in flares and fireworks. The combustion reaction of magnesium and oxygen needs an input of energy. Therefore, you must ignite the solid magnesium with an initial flame.

Nitrogen Monoxide and Ozone

When nitrogen monoxide, NO, reacts with ozone, O3, the resulting molecules are nitrogen dioxide and oxygen gas. In this reaction, the nitrogen dioxide that forms is in an excited state; the molecule has more energy than it usually does. When it releases this energy, some of it can be given off in photons of light. In this way, the reaction of nitrogen monoxide and ozone is a chemiluminescent reaction. This reaction releases little or no heat.

Zinc Atoms and Nitrous Oxide

When zinc atoms react with nitrous oxide, N2O, the reaction is chemiluminescent. In this reaction, the zinc atoms are oxidized, and form zinc oxide. The zinc oxide molecules form in an excited state. They emit their excess energy in the form of light. This is another reaction in which the chemiluminescence is accompanied by little or no heat.

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