Composition
Main components 78% Nitrogen 21% Oxygen 1% Argon
Trace components Carbon dio/monoxide Krypton Hydrogen Helium Nitrous oxide Neon Methane Ozone Iodine Nitrogen Dioxide Ammonia
Gas Discharge Lamps
Common example: fluorescent lightbulbs
Electric current travels through a tube
The travelling electrons excite the electrons in the gas atoms/molecules. When the electrons move back to lower state, they emit EMR. EMR is usually in the
visible light area but sometimes UV rays are emitted.
Mercury
Mercury emits a bright light. Light blue
RGB combine to form mostly white light.
Commonly used Esp. with argon
Nitrogen
Similar to Argon, but duller and more pink. Argon is violet to
pale lavender blue.
Becomes bright blue-white at high peak currents.
Carbon Dioxide
Bright-white Brighter than
Xenon in lower currents Xenon is used in car
headlights. Impressive!