Triboluminescence is an optical phenomenon in which light is generated through the breaking of chemical bonds in a material when it is pulled apart, ripped, scratched, crushed, or rubbed.
The phenomenon is not fully understood, but appears to be caused by the separation and reunification of electrical charges.
Materials scientists have not yet arrived at a full understanding of the effect, but the current theory of triboluminescence is that upon fracture of asymmetrical materials, charge is separated. When the charges recombine, the electric discharge ionizes the surrounding air causing a flash of light.
Band-aids emit tribulominescence visible to the human eyewhen pulled apart in the dark. If you’d like to see a video where this occurs, make sure you check the source link.
