<P> A fluorescent lamp , or fluorescent tube , is a low - pressure mercury - vapor gas - discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light . An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor , which produces short - wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow . A fluorescent lamp converts electrical energy into useful light much more efficiently than incandescent lamps . The typical luminous efficacy of fluorescent lighting systems is 50 -- 100 lumens per watt , several times the efficacy of incandescent bulbs with comparable light output . </P>
<P> A fluorescent lamp , or fluorescent tube , is a low - pressure mercury - vapor gas - discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light . An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor , which produces short - wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow . A fluorescent lamp converts electrical energy into useful light much more efficiently than incandescent lamps . The typical luminous efficacy of fluorescent lighting systems is 50 -- 100 lumens per watt , several times the efficacy of incandescent bulbs with comparable light output . </P>
what type of gas is in fluorescent light bulbs
what type of gas is in fluorescent light bulbs
mercury - vapor
mercury - vapor