Sädemete

Sädemete are small, bright particles produced by a rapid release of energy in a localized region. They occur in many processes involving heating, oxidation, or electrical discharge, and are typically visible as brief, glowing specks of light.

Sädemete form when material is heated rapidly or ablated, or when combustion generates molten or incandescent fragments. They can arise from flame processes where burning particles are ejected, from grinding or welding metal, and from electrical arcing. Depending on the source, they may be molten droplets, incandescent grains of oxidized metal, or ionized gas.

The particles are usually a few tenths to a few millimeters in size and glow because they are hot. Colors range from red to orange and yellow, sometimes white, reflecting their temperature and composition. Their light is short-lived, as they cool and fall away from the source within milliseconds to a fraction of a second. The composition often includes metal oxides or fused metal compounds, which influence color and persistence.

Sädemete have practical and safety considerations. In metalworking and ignition systems, sparks indicate energetic processes such as grinding, welding, or spark plug function. They can ignite flammable materials in the surrounding environment, so appropriate safety measures and protective equipment are essential. In controlled contexts, sparks are also used for signaling, pyrotechnics, and special effects.