Why Does Velcro Emit Light When Pulled Apart in the Dark?
Context I was pulling Velcro apart in the dark and noticed it was emitting light as I did so. Can anyone explain this? Is it the same reason as adhesive strips/tape? Simple Answer Velcro is made of two strips, one with tiny hooks and the other with loops. When you pull them apart, these hooks and loops get separated and this creates friction. Friction generates heat, and in some cases, it can also generate light. This is called triboluminescence. Triboluminescence happens when certain materials rub against each other and create tiny electrical charges. These charges then get discharged, releasing energy as light. So, the light you see when pulling Velcro apart is due to triboluminescence. It's similar to the light you see when you break a sugar crystal or scratch a diamond. This is also the same reason why adhesive strips or tape sometimes emit light when peeled off quickly. It's all due to friction and triboluminescence. Detailed Answer The phenomenon of Velcro emitting light ...