Looking for a material that will change colors

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter dshallum
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Change Material
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a material that changes colors in response to sunlight exposure. Participants explore various options, including chemical and natural materials, and clarify the desired characteristics of the color change, such as speed and distinctness.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a material that changes colors based on sunlight exposure, similar to a mood ring but with distinct colors and rapid changes.
  • Another participant suggests that most materials change color under sunlight but requests more specificity regarding the desired properties.
  • A suggestion is made for photochromic materials, specifically mentioning Silver Chloride, which darkens with UV exposure.
  • There is a reiteration of the mood ring concept, with a clarification that mood rings change color based on temperature, not sunlight.
  • A participant proposes using a living leaf, which changes color over time depending on illumination.
  • One participant requests more details about the proposed experiment to better assist with suggestions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of mood rings for the intended purpose, with some suggesting alternatives while others seek clarification on the requirements.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific properties desired in the color-changing material, as well as the nature of the proposed experiment.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in materials science, chemistry, or practical applications of color-changing materials may find this discussion relevant.

dshallum
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I am looking for a material that will change colors depending on how long it is in the sunlight. Any thoughts?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Most everything does.

You may need to be a little more specific.
 
Basically like a mood ring. Something that will change as quick at hourly. But the colors need to be distinct. Thoughts? Or maybe some kind of chemical?
 
You are looking for photochromic materials. Silver Chloride comes to mind. It gets darker as it is exposed to UV.
 
dshallum said:
Basically like a mood ring. Something that will change as quick at hourly. But the colors need to be distinct. Thoughts? Or maybe some kind of chemical?

Why not just track down a mood ring?
 
dshallum said:
I am looking for a material that will change colors depending on how long it is in the sunlight. Any thoughts?

Since you want the color change to be caused by sunlight, then a mood ring would NOT be a solution. It changes color according to temperature.

Will you please describe in more detail exactly what your proposed experiment would be? What's your objective? What do you plan to demonstrate or measure? Members here can contribute, but are not mind readers. Thank you.
 
How about a (living) leaf? Over a relatively long period of time, its colour will depend upon illumination.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Solid State Physics and Chameleon Color Changes
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
1K
High School Why are things the color they are?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
High School Question about the color of a thin film
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
High School Ready to Master Knots? Listen to This 2-Minute Audio!
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Geometry modeling of an X-ray Irradiator
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
AP physics 2: Phase change in thin film interference
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Graduate What is a less painful way to study Lagrangian Mechanics?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Question about the absorption of heat based on color
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Undergrad Alternative materials in high temperature superconductors
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
High School High School Science Fair Ideas: Unique Research Projects
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K