What is the difference between Fluorescent and Incandescents?
A fluorescent lamp differs from an incandescent lamp in structure and in the process by which it produces light. The inside of the lamp is coated with a fluorescent powder called phosphor. A cathode is a cap holding an electrode that seals each end of the lamp. Enclosed within the lamp is an inert gas, commonly argon or a mixture of argon and neon, and a little of low pressure mercury vapor. When the lamp is switched on, a current passes through the cathodes, causing them to heat up and emit electrons that electrically charge (ionize) the gas. The ionized gas becomes a conductor allowing increased current (arcs) to jump from one cathode to the other, resulting in the emission of ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet radiation is then absorbed by the phosphor coating on the inner surface of the lamp, converting it into visible light. All fluorescent lamps require a ballast(sometime a starter as well) to provide high starting voltage necessary for ignition and to regulate the electric c
