Ever wonder how we managed to light up the darkness before the advent of electricity? The invention of the electronic bulb, also known as the incandescent lamp, in 1879 by Thomas Alva Edison marked a significant milestone in human history. On 14 October 1878, Edison filed a patent for “Improvement in Electric Lights,” laying the foundation for the modern lighting systems we enjoy today.
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The electronic bulb is a simple yet revolutionary invention that has been illuminating our lives for over a century. Also referred to as an incandescent lamp or light globe, the electronic bulb is available in various sizes and light outputs, and can operate within a voltage range of 1.5 to about 300 Volts. Let's delve into the structure and functioning of the electronic bulb.
The electronic bulb, a rudimentary source of light , utilizes a wire filament that glows upon the application of electricity. The structure of the incandescent light bulb is illustrated below.
The electronic bulb comprises three primary components:
The filament, a thin coiled wire, is composed of tungsten due to its high melting point which prevents the filament from melting at high temperatures. The filament is enclosed within a glass bulb, which is filled with an inert gas like argon to protect the filament from burning and increase its lifespan. The filament and wires are connected to the lamp’s base via copper and lead wires.
When electric power is supplied to the bulb, it flows through the copper and lead wires to the filament, causing it to glow and emit light.
There are two types of bulb bases:
The spiral base bulb is depicted below:
The spiral base bulb features a piece of lead that directly connects the lamp to the electric circuit.
The two side nails base bulb is shown below:
The two side nails base bulb features two pieces of lead that connect the lamp to the electric circuit.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Here are some safety measures to keep in mind when handling electronic bulbs:
Who discovered the electronic bulb?
Thomas Alva Edison.
What is the operating voltage of the bulb?
Bulb operates in the range of 1.5 Volts to 300 Volts.
What are the two types of electronic bulbs?
Spiral base bulb and two side nails base bulb.
Name the parts of the bulb
The filament, The glass, The base.
Why is argon gas used in the manufacturing of the bulb?
Argon gas protects the filament from burning and increases the lifetime of the filament.