* Mercury Vapor: Fluorescent lights contain a small amount of mercury vapor inside the glass tube.
* Electric Discharge: When electricity flows through the tube, it excites the mercury atoms, causing them to emit ultraviolet (UV) light.
* Phosphor Coating: The inside of the tube is coated with a special substance called a phosphor. The UV light from the mercury interacts with the phosphor, converting it into visible light.
Important Note: While fluorescent lights are very energy efficient, they do contain mercury, a toxic element. Proper disposal of these lights is essential to protect the environment.
Let me know if you have any more questions about fluorescent lights or mercury!
