ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Ultraviolet-sensitive bead

Ultraviolet-sensitive beads are tiny, colorful beads that can react to ultraviolet (UV) light, which is a kind of light that we can’t see with our eyes. These beads are special because they change color when they’re exposed to this type of light.

Think of a bracelet or necklace made with these beads. When you’re indoors or outside on a cloudy day, the beads might be one color, like white or light blue. But if you go outside on a sunny day, the beads might start changing color to pink, purple, or yellow!

This happens because UV light is more intense on sunny days, and the beads can sense that. They have a special chemical in them that reacts to UV light and causes them to change color. It’s a bit like when you put a mood ring on and it changes colors depending on your temperature.

These beads can be used for all sorts of fun experiments and activities. You can make a UV bracelet or necklace and see how the colors change when you go outside. You can also use a UV flashlight to test different materials and see which ones block or let through UV light.

So, ultraviolet-sensitive beads are tiny, colorful beads that react to a special type of light called UV light. They change color when they’re exposed to sunlight or a UV flashlight, and you can use them for cool experiments and activities.