Fluorescent Flood Light Bulb Information
Fluorescent lights and LED bulbs are quickly replacing less efficient incandescent bulbs. Although fluorescent flood light bulbs cost a bit more to start, they are more efficient than incandescent flood lights and will save you money in the long run. Does this Spark an idea?
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Structure
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Like all fluorescent lamps, fluorescent flood light bulbs use a tube filled with argon gas and a bit of mercury to produce light. At each end of the tube are electrical terminals.
Ionizing the mercury
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When the CFL floodlight is switched on, it sends electrons through the gas. When one of these electrons encounters a molecule of mercury, the mercury absorbs energy from the electron. The electron then releases this energy as a photon of ultraviolet light.
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Making Visible Light
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The glass in a fluorescent flood lamp is covered with a phosphor coating. When a photon of ultraviolet light strikes the coating, it is absorbed and a photon of visible light is released.
Directional Light
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The back of the fluorescent flood light is a parabolic mirror. When photons of light strike the mirror, they are reflected straight out of the light bulb. This creates a focused beam of light.
Benefits
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CFLs are far more efficient than ordinary, incandescent bulbs, using 50 to 80 percent less energy. They also last far longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you money on the cost of replacement.
Warning
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Fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury, which is toxic to humans. They should be handled carefully to avoid breaking and taken to a recycling center when they burn out.
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