The spectra of daylight and fluorescent light differ primarily in their distribution of wavelengths. Daylight produces a continuous spectrum with a balanced range of wavelengths, including most colors of the visible spectrum, resulting in a natural and full-spectrum illumination. In contrast, fluorescent light emits a more discrete spectrum, characterized by distinct peaks at specific wavelengths due to the excitations of gas and phosphors, which can lead to a less balanced color rendering and sometimes a cooler appearance. This difference affects how colors are perceived under each type of light.
The spectrum from daylight or fluorescent light is called continuous because it contains a smooth and uninterrupted range of colors across the visible light spectrum. This means that all wavelengths within the visible light range are present without gaps or missing portions, unlike the discrete lines seen in some other types of lighting spectra.
Daylight fluorescent refers to a type of fluorescent lighting that closely mimics natural daylight, typically around 5000K to 6500K in color temperature. This type of lighting is designed to enhance visibility and color rendering in various environments, making it suitable for workplaces, retail spaces, and art studios. Daylight fluorescent bulbs often produce a brighter, cooler light compared to standard fluorescent bulbs, which can improve mood and productivity.
The different colors of fluorescent lighting available include cool white, warm white, daylight, and natural light.
The light from a "Daylight" type looks brighter to the eye than "Warm White". The "Daylight" type is supposed to make colors of things (clothes, furniture, etc.) look more natural, as if they were outside in daylight. The "Warm White" type is supposed to be more restful for our eyes when we have to live or work for long periods using artificial lighting. It also is supposed to look more like the light from conventional incandescent filament lamps.
Compact fluorescent lights are smaller versions of traditional fluorescent light bulbs that are designed to fit into standard light fixtures. They are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan compared to incandescent bulbs. Fluorescent light globes typically refer to the larger, tube-shaped fluorescent bulbs that are commonly used in commercial and industrial settings.
In general, daylight provides a more full-spectrum and balanced light source, allowing for a wider range of colors to be seen accurately. This is because daylight is close to the light spectrum of sunlight, which is considered to be a neutral white light. The color temperature of daylight is approximately 5500K, which is close to the standard used in color-critical work, such as photography and printing. On the other hand, fluorescent lighting often has a greenish or bluish tint, which can shift the appearance of colors. Fluorescent lighting is often lower in color temperature and can have a noticeable color cast. Additionally, older fluorescent lights can flicker, causing a strobing effect that can be distracting and make it difficult to see accurate color. In conclusion, while both daylight and fluorescent lighting can provide adequate illumination, daylight is typically the preferred light source for color-critical work, as it provides a more accurate representation of color.
The spectrum of fluorescent light consists of multiple narrow peaks of visible light, typically in the blue and green regions of the spectrum. Fluorescent lights emit a mix of ultraviolet light that excites phosphors coating the inside of the tube or bulb, which in turn re-emit visible light. The resulting spectrum can vary slightly depending on the specific phosphors used in the bulb.
The emission spectra for hydrogen and helium differ in the specific wavelengths of light they emit. Hydrogen emits light in distinct lines corresponding to transitions of its electrons between energy levels, while helium emits a continuous spectrum of light.
The emission spectra for hydrogen and helium differ because each element has a unique arrangement of electrons in their atoms. This arrangement causes them to emit different wavelengths of light when excited, resulting in distinct spectral lines.
A continuous spectrum is produced by a hot, dense object emitting light at all wavelengths. It differs from other types of spectra, like emission and absorption spectra, which only show specific wavelengths of light emitted or absorbed by atoms or molecules.
Indoor fluorescent light is not as bright as sunlight, and it is usually not exactly the same color (although there are different types of fluorescent tubes that produce different colors, some of which are extremely close to sunlight).
Daylight will have a more complete spectrum. An interesting experiment is to hold a CD close to a fluorescent lamp. The CD will act as a primitive diffraction grating, and you'll see distinct blobs of colour - not a continuous rainbow spectrum. You're seeing the light emitted by the various phosphors in the fluorescent tube.