What is a Fluorescent Lamp?

What is a Fluorescent Lamp?

Fluorescent Lamp Definition

A fluorescent lamp is a low-weight mercury vapor lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light.

Efficiency

Fluorescent lamps are more efficient than incandescent lamps, with a luminous efficacy of 50 to 100 lumens per watt.

Working Principle of Fluorescent Lamp

When powered on, a voltage surge ionizes the gas mixture in the tube, causing mercury atoms to emit ultraviolet light, which excites the phosphor coating to produce visible light.

Circuit Components

The basic circuit includes a ballast, switch, fluorescent tube, and starter, crucial for the lamp’s operation.

Historical Development

The ability to transform ultraviolet rays into visible light was discovered in the 1920s, leading to the development and commercialization of fluorescent lamps in the 1930s.