======Thermochromic Materials======


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**Alternative titles:** Heat-Sensitive Color Change, Temperature-Activated Pigments
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Obtain a commercially available thermochromic item, such as mood rings, color-changing spoons, mugs, or thermochromic pigments.  
  - Warm the object by holding it in your hand, placing it in warm water, or shining a lamp on it.  
  - Observe the color change as the temperature shifts.  
  - Allow the item to cool back to room temperature and watch the color return.



====Links==== 
INTERESTING MATERIALS: Thermochromic Materials - Gabriele Mogni: 
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Color Changing Thermochromic Slime (Chemistry) - BeardedScienceGuy: 
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Smart Textiles - Thermochromic paint - Cheryl Sleboda Whited: 
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====Variations====
  * Use different thermochromic products (mugs, slime, nail polish, stickers, fabrics).  
  * Compare how quickly items change color under different heat sources (hand warmth, hot water, hair dryer).  
  * Test durability by repeatedly heating and cooling the material.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Use only safe, consumer-grade thermochromic products in the classroom.  
  * If using warm water, ensure it is not hot enough to cause burns.  
  * Do not overheat items (e.g., avoid direct flames).




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why do thermochromic materials change color with temperature? (They contain pigments or liquid crystals that rearrange as temperature changes, altering light reflection.)  
  * Are these color changes physical or chemical changes? (They are physical changes, since the substance is not permanently altered.)  
  * Where might thermochromic materials be useful in everyday life? (In thermometers, baby spoons, battery testers, clothing, and safety indicators.)  
  * How do liquid-crystal thermochromics differ from pigment-based ones? (Liquid crystals shift structure with temperature, while pigments change molecular arrangement to absorb different wavelengths of light.)