1. Electrical Current: When an electric current is applied to the fluorescent tube, it creates an electrical discharge. This discharge causes the atoms inside the tube to become excited.
2. Mercury Vapour: Inside the tube, there is a small amount of mercury vapour. When the electrical current passes through the tube, it causes the mercury atoms to become excited and release ultraviolet (UV) light.
3. Ultraviolet Light and Phosphor Coating: The inside of the fluorescent tube is coated with a phosphor material. This phosphor coating is what actually produces the visible light that we see. When the UV light from the mercury atoms hits the phosphor coating, it causes the phosphor atoms to become excited.
4. Fluorescence: As the phosphor atoms become excited, they release energy in the form of visible light. This process is called fluorescence, and it is what produces the characteristic coloured light of a fluorescent tube.
5. Colour Variation: Different types of phosphor coatings can be used to produce different colours of light. By varying the phosphor composition, fluorescent tubes can emit various colours, ranging from cool white to warm white, daylight, and even specific colours like green, red, or blue.
6. Recycling Process: Fluorescent tubes also contain a small amount of mercury, so it's important to dispose of them properly to prevent environmental contamination. Many recycling centres accept fluorescent tubes and safely extract the mercury for proper disposal.
