Explain how fluorescent tubes work

MYTUTOR SUBJECT ANSWERS

Answers / Physics / A Level / Explain how fluorescent tubes work

445 views

Explain how fluorescent tubes work

Fluorescent tubes are filled with low pressure mercury, when an electric current is passed through, the electrons in mercury are excited and move to a high energy level, this high level state is unstable and so the electron moves back to its original state, but on doing so, it emits an electromagnetic wave with energy equivalent the difference in energy level. This is UV light and the electrons in the phosphor coating inside the fluorescent tube are excited, and releases visible light when the electrons return to its orginal energy state, which provides the glow in fluorescent lights.

Michael W. GCSE Maths tutor, IB Maths tutor, A Level Maths tutor, GCS...

10 months ago

Answered by Michael, an A Level Physics tutor with MyTutor

Still stuck? Get one-to-one help from a personally interviewed subject specialist

116 SUBJECT SPECIALISTS

£26 /hr

James L.

Degree: Medical Sciences (Bachelors) - Exeter University

Subjects offered:Physics, Science+ 4 more

“Hi, I'm James, a Masters student studying Biology. I'm really passionate about science, and I hope i can share some of it with you!”

5.0

95 reviews | 267 completed tutorials

Save profile

Konrad E. GCSE Chemistry tutor, GCSE Biology tutor, A Level Chemistry...

View profile

£36 /hr

Konrad E.

Degree: Natural Sciences: Physical (Masters) - Cambridge University

Subjects offered:Physics, Maths+ 2 more

“I am studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge, and have been tutoring for 5 years now. I focus on understanding, and finding explanations that work for you.”

4.9

49 reviews | 96 completed tutorials

Save profile

Guido B. 11 Plus Maths tutor, GCSE Maths tutor, 13 Plus Maths tutor,...

View profile

£20 /hr

Guido B.

Degree: Aeronautical Engineering (Masters) - Imperial College London University

Subjects offered:Physics, Science+ 3 more

“Expert tuition from an expert. A second year Uni student who's completed the hassle of GCSEs and A Levels, and can teach you the easy way to pass and succeed!”