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A fluorescent lamp tube is filled with a gas containing low pressure Mercury vapor and argon, xenon, neon, or krypton. The pressure inside the lamp is around 0.3% of atmospheric pressure. The inner surface of the bulb is coated with a fluorescent (and often slightly phosphorescent) coating made of varying blends of metallic and rare-earth phosphor salts. The bulb's electrodes are typically made of coiled tungsten and usually referred to as cathodes because of their prime function of emitting electrons. For this, they are coated with a mixture of barium, strontium and calcium oxides chosen to have a low thermionic emission temperature.

Light-emitting phosphors are applied as a paint-like coating to the inside of the tube. The organic solvents are allowed to evaporate, then the tube is heated to nearly the melting point of glass to drive off remaining organic compounds and fuse the coating to the lamp tube. Careful control of the grain size of the suspended phosphors is necessary; large grains, 35 micrometers or larger, lead to weak grainy coatings, whereas too many small particles 1 or 2 micrometers or smaller leads to poor light maintenance and efficiency. Most phosphors perform best with a particle size around 10 micrometers. The coating must be thick enough to capture all the ultraviolet light produced by the mercury arc, but not so thick that the phosphor coating absorbs too much visible light.

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Why is mercury in fluorescent bulbs?

Mercury is used in fluorescent bulbs as it helps produce ultraviolet light when electricity passes through the bulb. This UV light excites phosphor coating inside the bulb, which then emits visible light. While the amount of mercury used in fluorescent bulbs is small, it is essential for their function and energy efficiency.


What gases are used in light bulbs?

Ordinary incandescent light bulbs are filled with an inert (electrically non-conducting) gas such as Nitrogen.Other types are filled with a gas containing low pressure mercury vapor and argon, xenon, neon or krypton.See the Related links for more information.


What are fluorescent light bulbs inner wall coated with?

Fluorescent light bulbs have an inner wall coated with phosphor powder. This coating converts the ultraviolet light produced by the bulb into visible light when it strikes the phosphor.


What element is found in fluorescent light bulbs?

Mercury is the element found in fluorescent light bulbs. It is used in small amounts to help produce ultraviolet light, which then excites the phosphor coating inside the bulb to produce visible light.


Is the gas in fluorescent bulb poison?

The gas in fluorescent bulbs is typically a mixture of argon and a small amount of mercury vapor. While mercury is toxic if released into the environment, the amount in a fluorescent bulb is very small and not harmful unless the bulb is broken and the mercury is released. It is important to handle and dispose of fluorescent bulbs properly to prevent any potential harm.

Related Questions

What are the differences between incandescent bulbs and fluorescent bulbs?

Incandescent bulbs produce light by heating a filament inside the bulb, while fluorescent bulbs produce light by passing electricity through a gas-filled tube. Incandescent bulbs are less energy efficient and have a shorter lifespan compared to fluorescent bulbs. Additionally, fluorescent bulbs produce less heat and are available in a wider range of colors.


What is the name of those swirly light bulbs?

They are known as CFL bulbs. It stands for Compact Fluorescent Lamps.


Is it possible to replace fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs?

Yes, it is possible to replace fluorescent bulbs with LED bulbs. LED bulbs are energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan than fluorescent bulbs, making them a popular choice for lighting upgrades.


Which is more efficient the fluorescent bulbs or the incandecent bulbs?

Fluorescent bulb is the more efficient one as compared to incandescent bulbs.


What store sells the cheapest fluorescent bulbs?

Fluorescent bulbs can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Some examples are Lowe's and Home Depot. Buying fluorescent bulbs in bulk is the cheapest way to buy the bulbs.


Do incandescent and fluorescent bulbs produce the same amount of heat?

No, incandescent bulbs produce more heat than fluorescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs generate light by heating a filament, which also emits heat. Fluorescent bulbs produce less heat because they use electricity to excite gas inside the bulb, which then emits light.


How can I replace fluorescent bulbs with LED lights in my home?

To replace fluorescent bulbs with LED lights in your home, follow these steps: Purchase LED bulbs that are compatible with your existing fixtures. Turn off the power to the fixtures at the circuit breaker. Remove the fluorescent bulbs and ballast from the fixture. Install the LED bulbs in place of the fluorescent bulbs. Turn the power back on and test the new LED lights.


What are the benefits of using LED fluorescent light bulbs over traditional fluorescent light bulbs?

LED fluorescent light bulbs have several benefits over traditional fluorescent light bulbs. They are more energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, produce less heat, and are more environmentally friendly due to their lower mercury content.


How much is a fluorescent bulb?

fluorescent light bulbs are usually from 9$-15$.


What are the different types of fluorescent bulbs available in the market?

The different types of fluorescent bulbs available in the market include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), linear fluorescent tubes, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps.


Where can I find information on fluorescent bulbs?

You can find information on fluorescent bulbs all over the internet. You can also check packages of the bulbs at department stores or grocery stores where they are sold.


Which save more energy incandescent light bulbs or fluorescent?

Fluorescent light bulbs use less electricity for the amount of light produced.