How does your compact fluorescent bulb work?
Here’s a little experiment to show you how. All
you will need is a dark room, a balloon and a
compact fluorescent bulb.
First, blow up your
balloon. Then, have an
adult hold the CFL for
you. Turn out the lights so
the room is
completely
dark.
Now, rub the balloon on your hair.
Your hair should stand on end with
static electricity.
Touch the balloon to the CFL. Do you see sparks of light in the CFL?
When you move the balloon over the bulb, the light should follow the
balloon. How does this happen?
6
It all starts with electrons...you know, the particles
that orbit atoms? Electrons can jump from atom to atom.
When you rub the balloon on your hair, the electrons
jump from your hair to the balloon.
When you hold the balloon close to the
bulb, the electrons jump to the bulb.
The electrons bouncing off the mercury gas
makes the gas give off ultraviolet rays. The
rays make the phosphor coating inside
the bulb glow, which makes the
bulb glow.
Once the electrons go into the
bulb, they start bouncing off
the mercury gas inside
the bulb.
When you put your bulb in an
outlet, the electric current
supplies the electrons.
7