Mercury Vapor Lamp

Mercury vapor lamps are a type of electric lamp that produce light by passing an electric current through mercury vapor. They are commonly used for outdoor lighting, such as streetlights and parking lot lights.

Mercury vapor lamps consist of a glass bulb that contains a small amount of mercury and an electrode at each end. When the lamp is turned on, an electric current passes through the electrodes, causing the mercury vapor to emit ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light then interacts with a phosphor coating on the inside of the bulb, which converts the UV light into visible light.

Mercury vapor lamps are known for their high efficiency and long lifespan. They produce a bluish-white light that is similar to natural daylight, making them suitable for outdoor applications where color rendering is not critical. However, they have a relatively long warm-up time and can take several minutes to reach full brightness.

It's important to note that mercury vapor lamps contain a small amount of mercury, which is a toxic substance. Therefore, proper disposal methods should be followed when these lamps reach the end of their lifespan to prevent environmental contamination.

Overall, mercury vapor lamps are a popular choice for outdoor lighting due to their energy efficiency and durability.