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Fluorescence Definition

Chemistry Glossary Definition of Fluorescence

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com

Definition: fluorescence is luminescence that occurs where the energy is supplied by electromagnetic radiation, usually ultraviolet light. The energy source kicks an electronn of an atom from a lower energy state into an "excited" higher energy state; then the electron releases the energy in the form of light (luminescence) when it falls back to a lower energy state.

Examples: fluorescent lights, the red glow of rubies in sunlight

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