What happens when you chomp on a wintergreen lifesaver candy?

Answer 1

The lifesaver sparks in your mouth

If you take the lifesavers into a pitch-black room (a bathroom

usually works the best) you can watch science in action. I find it

works best with a friend because then you can share the feeling

of amazement, but it also works if you are by yourself and look in

the mirror.

In the darkened room chew the lifesaver with your mouth open

(chomping) and if you get the right crunch your friend or yourself

will see sparks of blue lights making your mouth glow.

The reason you see these sparks is because of an effect

called triboluminescence. Triboluminescence is emission

of light as a result of something being crushed or torn,

in this case, crystalline sugars. When the candy is crushed

electrons are released and these electrons collide with

nitrogen molecules in the air, which causes a vibration that

results in an ultraviolet spark.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=v

As Told By A Woonsocket 7th Grade Teacher