True or False: A fluorescent lamp is considered a discharge lamp.

A fluorescent lamp is indeed classified as a discharge lamp because it operates by passing an electric current through a gas, typically a low-pressure mixture of mercury vapor and noble gases. This process releases ultraviolet light, which then excites a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp, resulting in visible light being emitted. Fluorescent lamps are efficient and commonly used in various settings for general lighting.

Discharge lamps are defined by the way they generate light—specifically through the ionization of a gas that creates an electric arc. Since the fundamental operation of fluorescent lamps fits this definition, the answer is true. Understanding the underlying mechanism of various lamp types, including how they produce light, is crucial in interior design and lighting applications, ensuring that designers select the appropriate lighting solutions based on efficiency, ambiance, and functionality.