Question

On which principle does discharge lamp work?

• A. Vaporization of gases by the application of electric field.
• B. Ionization of gases by the application of magnetic field.
• C. Ionization of gases by the application of electric field.
• D. Ionization of gases by the application of heat externally.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Ionization of gases by the application of electric field.

Discharge lamps are a family of artificial light sources that generate light by sending an electric discharge through an ionized gas, a plasma. Typically, such lamps use a noble gas like argon, neon, krypton or a mixture of these gases. In operation, some of the electrons are forced to leave the atoms of the gas near the anode by the electric field applied between the two electrodes, leaving these atoms positively ionized. The free electrons thus released flowing onto the anode, while the cations thus formed are accelerated by the electric field and flow towards the cathode.