When a common fluorescent lamp is on,the mercury vapor inside is actually in a
A)gaseous state.
B)liquid state.
C)plasma state.
D)solid state.
E)none of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a fluorescent lamp is turned on, an electric current flows through the gas within the tube, ionizing the mercury vapor and creating a plasma state. This plasma state conducts electricity allowing the lamp to emit light as the electrons in the plasma recombine with the mercury ions, releasing ultraviolet photons which in turn excite the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube, creating visible light.

When a Common Fluorescent Lamp Is On,the Mercury Vapor Inside