Fluorescent ‘energy saving’ bulb
Connection with particle physics
The electron
collides with the
atom of Hg and
excites it
The atom of Hg
returns to the
ground state and
emits UV radiation
The UV radiation excites
the atoms of the
fluorescent substance
The atoms of the
fluorescent
substance return to
the ground state and
emit visible light
Comparison between the old electric bulb and the new ‘energy saving’
bulb (when giving adequate light in the same room)
Power
Daily use
Daily energy
consumption
Monthly energy
consumption
Monthly cost
Life time
Fluorescent bulb
20W
5hrs
0.1Kwh
Electric bulb
100W
5hrs
0.5Kwh
3Kwh
15Kwh
90 greek drachmas
8000 hrs
450 greek drachmas
1000 hrs
Conclusion
The fluorescent bulb is superior to the electric bulb because it last longer
and it saves energy. Its disadvantages are that it costs a more to buy and that
its light is not as ‘warm’ as an electric bulb’s.