Light bulb. Light bulb switched on and glowing. The light comes from the filament, a fine tungsten wire which heats up and glows as an electric curren

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Light bulb. Light bulb switched on and glowing. The light comes from the filament, a fine tungsten wire which heats up and glows as an electric current is passed through it. Tungsten is an ideal material for a filament as it is strong and has a high melting point (3410 degrees celsius). The interior of the bulb contains an inert gas, usually a mixture of nitrogen and argon. This is to exclude oxygen which would cause corrosion of the tungsten. Whilst in use, the tungsten filament gradually evaporates away until it breaks.

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Photo credit: © MARTYN F. CHILLMAID/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: bulb, electric, electrical, electricity, energy, industry, light, physics, technology