Operation

• Fluorescent lights contain mercury gas inside their glass bulbs, according to UST Research. As a metal component called a ballast excites the gas, the resulting ultraviolet radiation causes the bulb's phosphor coating to glow.
  
  

Types

• Fluorescent lights take many forms, including compact spirals, elongated tubes, globes or bullet-shaped lamps, according to House-Energy. These lamps come in 13-watt, 18-watt and 26-watt output levels. A 13-watt fluorescent lamp generates as much light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb.
  
  

Applications

• Fluorescent lights have found popularity as work lights for desks or worktables, in ceiling fixtures as tube lamps or recessed track lighting, and as wall sconces. They can also serve as outdoor lighting, though some do not perform well at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.