Index Key:  PHY084
Author:     mtalkmit
Subject:    Neon lights
Text:       Please send any information about neon and other lighting systems.

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      Sam Bowen
Text:        Light is emitted either by atoms emitting energy as the atom 
changes energy states or by random thermal motions.  Neon or light emitted 
from chambers of gas that are excited by currents (fluorescent lights also) 
give off light at specific frequencies, while incandescent lamps give off a 
broad spectrum of light that is determined by the temperature of the material 
itself.  More details can be found in various encyclopedias, especially the 
Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology.