Mercury Triboluminescence

The apparatus contains liquid mercury in a sealed, evacuated flask. Never open or attempt to repair the flask. If the flask breaks, immediately evacuate the room, ventilate thoroughly, and contact environmental health and safety for proper mercury cleanup. Do not attempt cleanup yourself. Mercury vapor is highly toxic.

Handle the apparatus carefully to avoid dropping or striking it. The flask is under partial vacuum and contains glass components that could shatter. Inspect the apparatus before each use for any cracks or damage. If damage is observed, do not use and contact appropriate safety personnel.

Purpose

Mercury in a partially evacuated hourglass flask produces a characteristic orange glow when inverted, demonstrating triboluminescence and mercury resonance radiation. Students see mechanical energy converted directly to atomic emission at specific wavelengths.

Hourglass-shaped glass flask with mercury pooled in the lower bulb, enclosed in a clear acrylic cylinder with square top and bottom plates

Figure 1: Mercury triboluminescence apparatus: an hourglass flask containing mercury, sealed inside a protective acrylic cylinder. Invert to pour mercury between bulbs.

Danger: Mercury Containment

Warning: Handling Precautions

Purpose

Safety Warnings

Danger: Mercury Containment

Warning: Handling Precautions

Purpose