What is the Difference Between Fluorescent and Neon

Fluorescent and neon are two different types of lighting technologies. Both rely on a principle called gas discharge and require electricity to function. However, each has its own unique characteristics and applications.

What is the difference between fluorescent and neon? Fluorescent uses low pressure mercury vapour, while neon uses gases like neon (red), argon (blue /red), krypton (yellow /green), or xenon (blue/green).

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Fluorescent  
      – Definition, Features, Applications
2. What is Neon
      – Definition, Features, Applications 
3. Similarities Between Fluorescent and Neon
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Fluorescent and Neon
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Fluorescent and Neon
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Fluorescent, Neon

What is Fluorescent

Fluorescent describes how certain materials absorb light and then re-emit it at a different wavelength. This re-emitted light is generally visible. Hence, fluorescent materials appear to be glowing. Consider atoms absorbing energy in the form of invisible ultraviolet light. When these atoms absorb energy, they get excited to higher energy levels. But due to the instability of those electrons in higher energy levels, they fall down again emitting the energy. This re emitted energy comes out as visible light often in a different color than the absorbed UV light.

There are many applications of florescence. Among them are lighting, highlighters, safety vests, and medical diagnostics. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor that emits UV light, which is then converted into visible light by a fluorescent coating on the inside of the tube. The bright colors in highlighters and the reflective materials in safety vests often use fluorescent materials. These materials absorb UV light from sunlight and re-emit it as a brighter and more visible color. Moreover, certain biological molecules can be made to fluoresce when tagged with specific chemicals to identify molecules in the cells.

What is Neon

Neon light is a type of lighting that uses glowing, electrified glass tubes filled with various gases to produce a bright and colorful illumination. Here, neon and other gases like argon, krypton, or xenon are used depending on the desired color. When an electrical current is applied, it excites the gas atoms, causing them to emit light – a phenomenon called gas discharge. The specific color of the light depends on the type of gas used.

There are many uses of neon light. It is most commonly used in signage and advertising. Artists utilize neon to create sculptures and installations. Neon is also used for decorative purposes. Neon lights can be used for safety purposes, like indicating exits or hazards in low-light environments. Certain applications utilize neon’s specific color properties to convey information. For example, red neon might indicate an “off” switch or a danger zone.

Similarities Between Fluorescent and Neon

• Both rely on a principle called gas discharge.
• They utilize long, thin glass tubes to house the electrified gas.
• Both require electricity to function.
• Both operate with gases at a low pressure within the glass tubes.

Difference Between Fluorescent and Neon

Definition

• Fluorescent lights are lighting devices that use low-pressure mercury vapor to produce a white or cool white glow, while neon lights are decorative lighting devices made from long, narrow glass tubes filled with various gases, producing vibrant, specific colors when electrified.

Appearance

• Fluorescent lights usually consist of straight tubes that emit a white or cool white glow. Neon lights, on the other hand, are made from long, narrow glass tubes that are often bent into shapes and letters, producing vibrant, specific colors.

Efficiency

• Fluorescent lights are generally more energy-efficient than neon lights.

Warm-Up Time

• Fluorescent lights may take a moment to reach full brightness due to their two-step process while neon lights turn on instantly.

Gas Used

• Fluorescent lights use low-pressure mercury vapor, whereas neon lights use various gases such as neon (for red), argon (for blue/red), krypton (for yellow-green), or xenon (for blue-green).

FAQ: Fluorescent and Neon

1. Does neon glow in the dark?

Neon lights, which use neon gas in combination with other gases, emit light in the visible spectrum when an electric current passes through them. However, they don’t glow in the dark without an electrical charge to excite the gases inside the tube.

2. What is the difference between neon and UV light?

Neon emits colored visible light directly. UV light, on the other hand, is invisible to our eyes. It makes some things glow, but we need special lights (blacklights) to see that effect.

3. What type of light is neon?

Neon is a type of cold cathode gas-discharge light. Neon gas inside a glass tube emits a bright, colorful glow when an electric current passes through it. This light is often used in advertising and signs because of this bright appearance.

4. Are fluorescent and UV the same?

No, fluorescent and UV are not the same. Fluorescent light is the visible light emitted when certain materials, called phosphors, absorb energy from UV light. UV light itself is a type of electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light. Moreover, fluorescent light is visible, whereas true UV light is invisible.

5. What is the advantage of neon light?

Neon lights are known for their bright, eye-catching colors that are easy to see, even during the day. They have a long lifespan, and energy efficiency compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. They are also durable and require minimal maintenance once installed.

Reference:

1. “Fluorescence.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 
2. “Neon Lighting.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Black light theatre Prague HILT 13” By Black light theatre Prague – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Be Brilliant Neon Light” (CC0) via Pexels