Color Phenomena Associated With Energy Transfer in Afterglows and Atomic Flames

Reactions involving reactive species produced in electric discharges are frequently characterized by the emission of visible light of many different colors. Some typical afterglows and atomic flames have been photographed, and the observed colors (or spectral distributions) are discussed with regard to the reactions from which they arise. Laboratory studies of this sort are helpful for the understanding of the energy transfer processes which occur in flames, in electrical discharges, and in the upper atmosphere.