Shedding Some Light on Fluorescent Bulbs

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Why are fluorescent lights four times more efficient than their incandescent counterparts?
This kit lets students study the properties of fluorescent light using a special fluorescent tube that is only coated with the usual white phosphor on one half.
When the bulb is lit, the coated side displays the normal white light expected for a fluorescent bulb – however the uncoated side displays a striking violet-colored plasma column along its length.
Developed by physics teacher Nick Guilbert (his results were published in The Physics Teacher – reprinted in the instructions), this device allows students to view emission lines from the coated versus uncoated ends through a spectroscope to see the effect of the phosphor coating.
You can also use the bulb for lessons in charged-particle motion, plasma-physics, vaporization, chemistry, electricity, and ionization of mercury argon or atomic physics.
Please note: a power supply and tesla coil are required but not included.
Includes: half-coated 48” fluorescent bulb, fluorescent bulb housing, set of cables, instructions with background, set-up, and experiments.

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