Fluorescent Light Components

Sealed Tube

• Fluorescent lights operate with anywhere from 65 to 75 percent more efficiency than traditional incandescent bulbs. The lights' glass casing is actually a sealed cylindrical tube that traps gases, which make the function of the fluorescent light possible. Fluorescent tubes can be large, from 4 to 8 feet long (such as those used in office buildings and kitchens) or they can be small (such as compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs).

Argon and Mercury

• Two central elements located within fluorescent bulbs are argon and mercury, which work together to help create ultraviolet radiation. Mercury is a liquid form while argon is a gas. When the light turns on, the electrons migrate under the low pressure of the tube to the opposite end. The energy alters mercury, turning some of it into a gas. Electrons then collide with the gaseous mercury, as well as argon, changing their energy state. The alteration in energy states causes a release of ultraviolet light photons.

Ballast and Electrodes

• The ballast and electrodes work hand in hand to provide electricity and an electrical current to the fluorescent light bulb. The ballast controls and channels an electrical current into two electrodes, which are placed at opposite areas of the fluorescent light. It channels electricity in different amounts to each electrode, allowing a charge difference to form, which causes a flow of electrons from one end to the opposite end.

Phosphorous

• The final component that makes the fluorescent light usable is its phosphorous coating, which creates an opaque, white color. Phosphorous naturally glows and emits visible light whenever struck by ultraviolet light. So the light that we call fluorescent light is actually glowing phosphorous.