Here is a concise summary of the text:
**Title:** Experimenting with Fluorescent Lamps
**Summary:**
* The experimenter, initially unfamiliar with fluorescent lamps, buys several to investigate how they work.
* Initial attempts to turn one on using 120V AC fail, with the lamp "popping" at 16V, indicating a need for high voltage to initiate, but not maintain, the discharge.
* Using a Tesla coil and later a microwave transformer, the experimenter successfully creates a high-voltage arc to ionize the lamp's gases, producing light.
* Research reveals the typical circuit design involving a ballast, starter switch, and filaments, which provide the initial high-voltage kick and subsequent current limitation.
* The experimenter replicates this process using makeshift components, including an auto-transformer as a ballast, to eventually achieve a stable, flickering light.
* The experiment concludes with the purchase and successful use of a modern electronic ballast, highlighting the safety and efficiency improvements in contemporary designs.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, without opinions, in short sentences with numbers:
**General Facts**
1. The experiment involves a fluorescent lamp designed for 120V AC.
2. The lamp has two contacts at each end, with shorter contacts at each end and no direct path across.
**Electrical Behavior**
3. Applying 120V AC directly to the lamp can cause it to pop or not turn on.
4. The lamp's filament can be lit with a lower voltage (around 15V) in a controlled setup.
5. The lamp does not run on 120V AC in its standard operating mode.
**Internal Working**
6. Fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor, which creates UV light when excited.
7. The UV light excites a phosphor coating, producing visible white light.
8. The lamp requires a high-voltage kick to ionize the gases inside and create an arc.
**Circuit Components & Functionality**
9. Traditional fluorescent lamp circuits use an inductor (ballast) in series with the lamp.
10. A starter switch (normally open) is used to initially create a high-voltage arc across the lamp.
11. After the initial arc, 120V AC maintains the plasma path at a lower voltage.
12. Modern electronic ballasts replace traditional circuits, providing a single high-voltage kick and fixed current control.
**Experimentation with Alternatives**
13. A microwave transformer can generate around 2500V for experimentation.
14. An auto transformer can be used as a makeshift ballast, allowing for adjustable inductance.
**Safety**
15. Handling live, loose wires is dangerous and should be avoided.
16. Breaking a fluorescent lamp requires caution to avoid inhaling the gases.