PURPOSE: Demonstrate that laundry soap is fluorescent.

DESCRIPTION: Fluorescent chemicals are typically added to laundry soap to make white clothing appear "whiter and brighter." In the presence of even a small amount of UV, the fluorescence due to the residual chemical remaining after the clothes are rinsed is sufficient to cause white shirts, socks, or T-shirts to have a blue/white glow. Soap manufacturers would like consumers to believe that their soaps are actually making the whites "whiter."

SUGGESTIONS: None.

REFERENCES: (PIRA unknown.)

EQUIPMENT: Plastic bag of Arm and Hammer laundry detergent with ultraviolet lamp.

SETUP TIME: None.