Quinine contains rare earth compounds called phosphors. These substances glow when they are hit with particular wavelengths of the EM spectrum, including UV light. ... Thus, the black light’s UV radiation is absorbed by the phosphors in the quinine , and then emitted again in the form of glowing blue light.
Why does tonic water glow in UV light?
The answer is surprisingly simple: Tonic water actually contains the chemical quinine, which fluoresces under certain light and makes tonic water glow . ... You can use the glow-in-the-dark nature of tonic water to create some fun drinks and even to make pies that glow under UV light!
Why does quinine glow under a blacklight?
You should have clearly seen that the tonic water glowed a brilliant, bright blue color when you put it under the ultraviolet black light (before adding bleach). This is because the (invisible) ultraviolet light from the black light is absorbed by the quinine in the tonic water , and this excites the quinine.
Does tonic water glow in the dark without a black light?
Key Takeaways: Glow in the Dark Drinks
However, many safe liquids glow (fluoresce) under black or ultraviolet light. Of these, the brightest glow is produced by tonic water, which appears blue. Without a black light, drinks may be made to appear to glow using presentation tricks .
Why does gin and tonic glow?
Tonic contains a chemical called quinine (not to be confused with quinoa), which was originally used to treat malaria. When tonic is exposed to ultraviolet light, it fluoresces . ... In other words, the tonic water will shine. So, while gin itself isn’t fluorescent, a G&T is the perfect glowing drink.
Why is quinine in tonic water?
Quinine comes from the bark of the cinchona tree. This tree is native to central and South America, as well as some islands in the Caribbean and western parts of Africa. People have consumed quinine in tonic water to help treat cases of malaria for centuries .
What liquid glows in blacklight?
Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, fluids and vitamins shine under black light. Urine, semen and blood contain fluorescent molecules, so they also show up under black light. Interestingly, some cleaners and laundry detergents, scorpions, tonic water and antifreeze and teeth whiteners all also glow under black light.
Is quinine glow in the dark?
Quinine is made from the bark of a tree and has been used for centuries as a treatment for malaria. ... Under an ultraviolet “black light ,” the quinine in tonic water makes the water fluoresce a brilliant, bright blue (even though only a relatively small amount of quinine is dissolved in the water).
Does vinegar glow under black light?
Glowing Vitamins
Try crushing a vitamin B-12 tablet and dissolving it in vinegar. The solution will glow bright yellow under a black light .
Which tonic water has the most quinine?
Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic Water
The highest quality quinine was sourced from the Rwanda Congo border and blended with spring water and eight botanical flavors, including rare ingredients such as marigold extracts and a bitter orange from Tanzania.
What does quinine do to the body?
Quinine is used to treat malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Plasmodium falciparum is a parasite that gets into the red blood cells in the body and causes malaria. Quinine works by killing the parasite or preventing it from growing.
What soda glows under blacklight?
There are several liquids that glow in the dark that you can use to make drinks at your black light party. Sprite, 7Up, Mountain Dew , and other clear drinks will seem to glow as well because they reflect the light of the black light.
Does vitamin B glow in the dark?
It turns out that certain vitamins glow under black light as well. Vitamin A and some B vitamins (thiamine, niacin and riboflavin) glow bright yellow . ... Well, black light emits light in the ultraviolet (UV) range.
Is tonic water safe to drink?
Quinine, when found in small doses in tonic water, is safe to consume . The first tonic waters contained powdered quinine, sugar, and soda water. Tonic water has since become a common mixer with liquor, the most well-known combination being gin and tonic.
Does tonic water go bad?
Properly stored, unopened tonic water will generally stay at best quality for about 9 months after the date on the package when stored in the fridge, although it will usually remain safe to drink after that. ... If unopened tonic water develop an off odor, flavor or appearance, it should be discarded for quality purposes.
Why does tonic water taste so bad?
In simple terms, classic tonic water is carbonated water infused with quinine. For added taste sometimes sugar or fruit acids are mixed in. The higher the level of quinine in the water , the more bitter it tastes.
