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?

The correct answer is 1 and 3.

Key Points

• Difference between the CFL and LED bulb:
  • The primary difference between the CFL and LED bulb is that LED bulbs are more durable and has a long life. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
  • LED bulb consumes less power as compared to CFL.
  • LED bulbs are expensive as compared to CFL bulbs.
  • LED bulbs are much more efficient than CFL bulbs. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• CFL bulbs are made up of argon and mercury in small quantities. 
  • In a CFL, an electric current is driven through a glass tube containing argon and a small amount of mercury vapour. This generates invisible ultraviolet light that excites a fluorescent coating (called phosphor) on the inside of the tube, which then emits visible light.
• The main semiconductor materials used to manufacture LEDs are:
  • Indium gallium nitride (InGaN): blue, green, and ultraviolet high-brightness LEDs.
  • Aluminium gallium indium phosphide (AlGaInP): yellow, orange, and red high-brightness LEDs.
  • Aluminium gallium arsenide (AlGaAs): red and infrared LEDs. Hence, statement 1 is correct.