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

31358 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does a small puddle of water evaporate at room temperature, even though the temperature is way below the boiling point of water?


How and why does a geostationary satellite stay above the same point on the Earths surface?


Calculating the hydrostatic force on a submerged body


Calculate the flight time of a ball moving in parabolic motion, with initial velocity 5.0m/s at angle 30 degrees from the horizontal travelling for 23 metres.


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning