Here's a breakdown:
* Light Emission: Phosphorescence is a type of luminescence, meaning it produces light through processes other than heat.
* Energy Absorption: The material absorbs energy from an external source.
* Delayed Emission: Unlike fluorescence, which emits light instantly, phosphorescence stores the absorbed energy and releases it gradually as light.
* Duration: The glow can last for seconds, minutes, or even hours depending on the material and the energy absorbed.
Examples of phosphorescent objects:
* Glow-in-the-dark toys and stickers: These contain phosphorescent pigments that absorb energy from sunlight or artificial light and then release it gradually in the dark.
* Certain fireflies: These insects have a chemical reaction that emits light for a prolonged period.
* Some minerals: Certain minerals like fluorite and sphalerite can exhibit phosphorescence.
Key takeaway: Phosphorescence is a cool phenomenon where a material "stores" light energy and releases it slowly, creating a long-lasting glow.