Indiscriminate disposal of used fluorescent electric lamps causes mercury pollution in the environment. Why is the mercury used in the manufacture of these lamps ?

Options

A. A mercury coating on the inside of the lamp makes the light bright white
B. When the lamp is switched on, the mercury in the lamp causes the emission of ultraviolet radiations
C. When the lamp is switched on, it is the mercury which converts the ultraviolet energy into visible light
D. None of the statement given above is correct about the use of mercury in the manufacture of fluorescent lamps

Answer

B

Explanation

The mercury is used in lamps because it causes the emission of ultraviolet radiations, when the lamp is switched on, which in turn excites the tube.s phosphor coating, leading it to emit visibile light.