Fluorescent lamp

A fluorescent lamp is a type of lamp that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor in argon or neon gas, resulting in a plasma that produces short-wave ultraviolet light. This light then causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light.

Related Topics:
Electricity - Mercury - Vapor - Argon - Neon - Plasma - Ultraviolet - Phosphor - Fluoresce - Visible light

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Unlike incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps always require a ballast to convert the mains power into power suitable for the lamp type. With fluorescent lamps designed to be compatible with standard light bulb sockets (named compact fluorescent light bulbs), the ballast is integrated with the lamp, usually inside the plastic housing between the socket connector and the glow tube.

Related Topics:
Ballast - Compact fluorescent light bulb

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