[Xenonman]

Hey all

I had a bit of spare time in a lab a while ago and I placed a piece of paper in the flame of a burner. Not sure why. The paper flexed a bit, as it usually does, then it turned black, and it started to shine. A white light.

It reminded me of the emission spectra of metals in salts, but this is not really a salt. Why did the former paper shine? It took little time to start shining, about 40 seconds. but remained shining for about 5 minutes, after which I removed the piece from the flame. It kept shining for a few seconds after.

I took a picture. It looks way better in real life, I promise.

[Borek]

Paper is not just cellulose.

[Arkcon]

I believe you've seen the incandescent glow of oxidizing carbon.  I don't really know why it happens, although I suppose the topic is fairly well studied.  See what you can find out along those lines.