Universal Dependencies - English - GUM

s-1

GUM_whow_glowstick-1

How to Make a Glowstick

s-2

GUM_whow_glowstick-2

Those glowing Mountain Dew videos with peroxide and baking soda are all hoaxes.

s-3

GUM_whow_glowstick-3

To truly make a glowstick without breaking an already-made glowstick and shoving its contents into a tube (also known as cheating), you've gotta let your inner scientist out (along with a few dollars).

s-4

GUM_whow_glowstick-4

If you're still curious, read on.

s-5

GUM_whow_glowstick-5

This is fun for anyone and everyone.

s-6

GUM_whow_glowstick-6

Method One of Two: Using Luminol

s-7

GUM_whow_glowstick-7

Put on protective glasses.

s-8

GUM_whow_glowstick-8

In addition, wear gloves to protect your skin.

s-9

GUM_whow_glowstick-9

It's also a good idea to not wear your Sunday best.

s-10

GUM_whow_glowstick-10

Throw on some old clothes or put a smock over clothes you want protected.

s-11

GUM_whow_glowstick-11

Some of this stuff is dangerous -- this experiment is not meant for children!

s-12

GUM_whow_glowstick-12

Listen up, kids: You'll be working with a solution that's near a 12 on the pH scale.

s-13

GUM_whow_glowstick-13

That basically means don't swallow it, don't put it in your eyes, don't bathe in it, and don't really expose yourself to it directly at all.

s-14

GUM_whow_glowstick-14

Got it?

s-15

GUM_whow_glowstick-15

Moving on.

s-16

GUM_whow_glowstick-16

Combine 50 milliliters of hydrogen peroxide and a liter of distilled water in a mixing bowl.

s-17

GUM_whow_glowstick-17

A ceramic bowl will work best, but plastic works too.

s-18

GUM_whow_glowstick-18

Use funnels, measuring tubes, and basters to keep everything well-measured and well away from you.

s-19

GUM_whow_glowstick-19

Hydrogen peroxide is used to replace the luminol's nitrogen atoms with oxygen.

s-20

GUM_whow_glowstick-20

When that happens, all the substances create a rave and start partying and electrons fly everywhere and what results?

s-21

GUM_whow_glowstick-21

The glow.

s-22

GUM_whow_glowstick-22

Mix .2 grams of luminol, 4 grams of sodium carbonate, .4 grams of copper sulfate, .5 grams of ammonium carbonate and 1 liter (0.3 US gal) of distilled water in a second bowl.

s-23

GUM_whow_glowstick-23

It is important not to touch the luminol.

s-24

GUM_whow_glowstick-24

Use a funnel to make everything safe and easy.

s-25

GUM_whow_glowstick-25

Unfortunately, these hazardous chemicals will not float freely in mid-air like this graphic suggests.

s-26

GUM_whow_glowstick-26

Yep, unless you're a coroner or some sort of crazy spy / criminologist you probably don't have this stuff lying around the house (hopefully not ...).

s-27

GUM_whow_glowstick-27

If you're dead set on starting your own glowstick business (worse ideas exist), try websites like Alfa Aesar [1] or Sigma Aldrich [2] for supplies.

s-28

GUM_whow_glowstick-28

Mix everything well.

s-29

GUM_whow_glowstick-29

Don't use your hands -- use a metal or plastic utensil of some sort.

s-30

GUM_whow_glowstick-30

Clean the containers and dry them thoroughly.

s-31

GUM_whow_glowstick-31

It's important to use sanitary, clean tubes for your glowsticks.

s-32

GUM_whow_glowstick-32

The last thing you want is other substances interacting with the reactions you're depending on to make the substances glow.

s-33

GUM_whow_glowstick-33

Set the correct lid next to each container.

s-34

GUM_whow_glowstick-34

This enables you to seal the containers quickly after filling.

s-35

GUM_whow_glowstick-35

It's not like the glow will get up and run away from you, but still.

s-36

GUM_whow_glowstick-36

Combine equal amounts of the first and second solution in the container and close the bottles.

s-37

GUM_whow_glowstick-37

Shake them up once the lids are on tightly.

s-38

GUM_whow_glowstick-38

Then turn off the lights!

s-39

GUM_whow_glowstick-39

If it's not already glowing, something went wrong.

s-40

GUM_whow_glowstick-40

Do over!

s-41

GUM_whow_glowstick-41

Watch as the chemical compound creates a colorful glow.

s-42

GUM_whow_glowstick-42

Take your glowsticks to the party and charge your friends loads of money for them!

s-43

GUM_whow_glowstick-43

But act quickly ...

s-44

GUM_whow_glowstick-44

the glow won't last very long.

s-45

GUM_whow_glowstick-45

Expectations crushed?

s-46

GUM_whow_glowstick-46

Method two to the rescue!

s-47

GUM_whow_glowstick-47

The reaction that the luminol and hydrogen peroxide creates doesn't last long at all -- maybe a couple of minutes.

s-48

GUM_whow_glowstick-48

For something that lasts hours, go to the next method (which is a lot easier to facilitate if you have access to a laboratory, but it's still worth mentioning).