UPSC Prelims 2011·GS1·science-and-technology·science and technology

What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp? 1. To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while an LED lamp uses semi-conductor material. 2. The average life span of a CFL is much longer than that of an LED lamp. 3. A CFL is less energy-efficient as compared to an LED lamp. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A1 only
  2. B2 and 3 only
  3. C1 and 3 onlyCorrect
  4. D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The correct answer is C because of the following reasons: Statement 1 is correct. CFLs work by passing electricity through mercury vapour, which produces UV light that causes the phosphor coating inside the tube to glow. In contrast, LEDs produce light by passing current through a semiconductor material. Statement 2 is incorrect. LEDs have a significantly longer lifespan than CFLs. A typical LED can last up to 50,000 hours, whereas a CFL usually lasts around 8,000 to 10,000 hours. Statement 3 is correct. LEDs are more energy-efficient than CFLs because they convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into light and lose very little energy as heat. Since statements 1 and 3 are correct and statement 2 is false, option C is the right choice.
science-and-technology: What is the difference between a CFL and an LED lamp? 1. To produce light, a CFL uses mercury vapour and phosphor while

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