When the electrons calm down and return to their original energy level they release light photons.The collisions excite the atoms so electrons increase in energy levels.As electrons and charged atoms move through the tube they will collide with the mercury gas atoms.The energy from this changes some of the liquid mercury into gas.Voltage from the electrodes causes electrons to migrate through the argon gas from one end of the tube to the other.The current flows through the electrical circuit to the electrodes.This is what happens when you turn on the light: The basic process of lighting a fluorescent tube involves an electrical current provoking chemical reactions which result in a light being emitted. If you've broken a fluorescent tube or come into contact with the inside of the tube you might have noticed a powder-like substance, this is the phosphor powder which coats the inside of the glass. Inside the glass tube is a small amount of mercury and an inert gas like argon.
The electrical circuit connects to an AC supply through contact pins at the end of the tube which connect to a light fitting. Phosphor coating on the inside of the tube.The inside of a fluorescent tube contains various chemical components and two electrodes at either end which are wired to an electrical circuit. These lamps work in much the same way today, with a few modifications of course. In 1901, when Hewitt passed an electric current through tiny amounts of mercury in one of Plucker's glass tubes, it lit up, making it the very first fluorescent tube to use mercury. Where did it all begin?Īccording to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, the fluorescent tube came about thanks to American electrical engineer and inventor Peter Cooper Hewitt's research into the work of physicist Julius Plucker and Heinrich Geissler, a glassblower. How do they work?įluorescent tubes are a common sight in public places, offices and schools but how much do you actually know about the inner workings of the fluorescent lamp? Knowing how a lamp works can help you understand what might have happened when one stops working, making it easier to know how to fix it.īelow, we take a look at what's going on inside a fluorescent tube when you flick the light switch. We stock tubes from leading brands at low prices, call 0113 8876270 to place an order.
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