Luminescence
From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
- Luminescence is also the title of an album by singer
Luminescence is light not generated by high temperatures alone.
It is different from incandescence, in that it usually occurs at low temperatures. Examples include fluorescence,
Luminescence can be caused by chemical or biochemical changes, electrical energy, subatomic motions, reactions in crystals, or stimulation of an atomic system.
The process of coating dials, hands, scales and signs on, particularly, aviation and navigational instruments and markings with luminescent materials is known as luminising.
The following kinds of luminescence are known to exist:
Historically, radioactivity was first thought of as a form of "radioluminescence", although it is today considered to be separate since it involves more than electromagnetic radiation.