Final answer:
Fluorescence refers to the phenomenon where certain minerals emit visible light when illuminated by UV light. This occurs due to electrons in the atoms of the minerals being excited by ultraviolet photons and then releasing energy in the form of visible light as they return to their ground state.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fluorescence is the way certain minerals appear under UV light. This phenomenon occurs when a rock is illuminated with high energy ultraviolet light, and it emits visible light as a result. The process behind fluorescence involves the subatomic structure of the minerals. Specifically, when an atom within the mineral absorbs a photon of ultraviolet light, it excites an electron to a higher energy state. As the electron returns to its ground state, it can emit energy in the form of visible light photons, leading to the characteristic glow we observe.
Common examples of objects that display fluorescence include certain kinds of rocks, posters, and clothing that glow when exposed to black lights. This is also the principle behind fluorescent dyes, such as fluorescein, which can make substances like fabric and liquids visibly luminescent under UV light. Additionally, fluorescent techniques are utilized to enhance the resolution in microscopes, enabling the observation of details that are smaller than what is possible with longer-wavelength visible-light microscopes.