Chemical Reactions

[holyduckie]

Why does the chemical reaction inside a light stick speed up when heat is intoduced?

Thanks for answering !

[shammydodger]

This follows a basic rule of chemical reactions. Typically, the rate of a chemical reaction will double for every 10 degrees Celsius rise in temperature. Forgetting about the numbers involved, the input of heat gets the atoms within the various chemicals involved vibrating with more energy. This means a greater rate of collisions between atoms with, crucially, more of these collisions having the necessary energy to cause a reaction. Hence the increased rate of reaction.

I've no idea which chemicals are inside a light stick, by the way, but that's not necessary in order to provide a sound explanation.

[shammydodger]

Shammydodger

Thanks a bundle. If I want to ask another question, I know where to come!

[shammydodger]

Don't mention it!

Oh, hang on, you didn't.