Is it possible for water to exhibit fluorescence?

In summary, fluorescence in water is impossible due to its lack of available electron energy levels. This is supported by the fact that gaseous water has been observed to fluoresce in the far infrared region, far from the visible range. However, fluorescence can occur in other materials, but its visibility depends on the energy levels available in the molecule's electron shells. This is evident in the case of fluorescence ink, which can be activated by visible light and made visible with image intensifier goggles.
  • #1
lucas_
413
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Why is it impossible to induce fluorescence in water? Is it because of missing electrons that can do the fluorescence process, or other reasons?
 
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  • #2
Gaseous water is reported to have lased at 118.6um (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00694636).
So you may be able to get it to fluoresce at that wavelength as well.
This is in the far infrared region - far from visible.

Being colorless and transparent, I would not have expected it to absorb or emit in the visible range.

The key to florescence is electron energy levels. You need to be able to bump one of its electrons to a higher shell and allow it to fall back. So the "color" will depend on the energy levels available in the molecule's electron shells.
 
  • #3
.Scott said:
Gaseous water is reported to have lased at 118.6um (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00694636).
So you may be able to get it to fluoresce at that wavelength as well.
This is in the far infrared region - far from visible.

Being colorless and transparent, I would not have expected it to absorb or emit in the visible range.

The key to florescence is electron energy levels. You need to be able to bump one of its electrons to a higher shell and allow it to fall back. So the "color" will depend on the energy levels available in the molecule's electron shells.

Do all materials with fluorescence always visible? If there is only a trace of it, then it's not visible to the eyes?

I'm thinking of fluorescence ink that is activated not with UV but visible light. And the fluorescent is invisible and need to be seen with image intensifier goggles.
 

1. How does fluorescence occur in H2O?

Fluorescence in H2O occurs when a molecule absorbs energy from a light source and then releases that energy in the form of light. This process is known as fluorescence and is commonly observed in fluorescent dyes and molecules.

2. What causes fluorescence in H2O?

The fluorescence in H2O is caused by the presence of certain molecules, such as fluorescent dyes, that have the ability to absorb and emit light. These molecules have specific chemical structures that allow them to absorb energy and then emit it as light in a different wavelength.

3. Can any molecule fluoresce in H2O?

No, not all molecules can fluoresce in H2O. Only molecules that have specific chemical structures and properties, such as conjugated double bonds, can fluoresce. Additionally, the environment and conditions of the H2O can also affect the fluorescence of a molecule.

4. How can we induce fluorescence in H2O?

Fluorescence in H2O can be induced by exposing the H2O to a light source with the appropriate wavelength for the molecule to absorb. This can be done through various methods, such as using a UV lamp or a laser. Additionally, adding a fluorescent dye to the H2O can also induce fluorescence.

5. What are the applications of inducing fluorescence in H2O?

Inducing fluorescence in H2O has various applications in scientific research, such as in fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and protein analysis. It is also commonly used in environmental monitoring and water quality testing. Additionally, fluorescence in H2O is also used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage for quality control purposes.

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