Chapter 12, Problem 44R

To determine

To Explain: The function of electric current in fluorescent light and neon light.

Answer to Problem 44R

The ac current used for most of neon light.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

A fluorescent lamp, or fluorescent tube, is a low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp which produces visible light using fluorescence. An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor, which produces ultraviolet short-wave light which then causes the inside of the lamp to glow through a phosphorous coating.

Neon lights are a glass tube that is filled with a small amount of neon gas. Neon is used for it's one of the noble gases. One characteristic of these elements is that each atom has a filled shell of electrons, so that the atoms do not react with other atoms, and the removal of an electron requires much energy.

There is an electrode at either end of the tube. A neon light actually works using either AC or DC, but if DC current is used, the glow is only seen around one electrode. AC current is used for most neon lights you see.

Conclusion:

Hence, the ac current used for most of neon light.