How to compact fluorescent light bulbs work?
Instead of a filament lit up with electrical energy, there are two main parts in a compact fluorescent light bulb: a gas-filled tube (also called bulb or burner) and the magnetic or electronic ballast; those with magnetic ballasts tend to flicker more, so electronic ballasts are being used with increasing frequency. When you flip the switch, electrical energy, in the form of an electrical current from the ballast, flows through the gas, causing it to emit ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light then excites a phosphor coating on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light. Far out, huh? The mercury present in CFLs has been one of the most talked-about issues related to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Read on for what you need to know about compact fluorescent light bulbs and mercury.
