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.

MW
Answered by Michael W. Physics tutor

34044 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe and explain the vertical motion of a parachutist which jumps out of an aeroplane at time t=0 and then releases the parachute shortly after reaching terminal velocity at time t=T. (Assume air resistance is not negligible).


Can you please explain the significance of photoelectric effect?


Sphere A (mass m), moving with speed 3v, collides with sphere B (mass 2m) which is moving in the opposite direction with speed v. The two spheres then combine, calculate the resulting velocity of the combined spheres.


A person swims from a depth of 0.50 m to a depth of 1.70 m below the surface of the sea. density of the sea water = 1030 kg/m^3 gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg Calculate the increase in pressure on the swimmer. Give the Unit.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning