Question: The filaments of incandescent light bulbs are made from which element?
Show answer
Tungsten.
The filaments of incandescent light bulbs are primarily made from the element tungsten. Tungsten, whose chemical symbol is “W” derived from its earlier name, wolfram, possesses properties that make it an ideal choice for this purpose.
Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals, at an astonishing 3,422°C (6,192°F). This means that it can endure the high temperatures generated within a light bulb without melting. When an electric current passes through the tungsten filament, it heats up to temperatures that cause it to glow, producing the light we see. The extremely high melting point of tungsten ensures that the filament can glow white-hot for extended periods without melting.
Another notable feature of tungsten is its tensile strength. It can be drawn into very thin wires, or filaments, without breaking. This is crucial for light bulbs, where the filament needs to be thin to ensure efficient resistance heating and light production.
However, even with tungsten’s robust properties, it would rapidly oxidize and burn up in the presence of oxygen at such high temperatures. Hence, the bulb is filled with an inert gas, such as argon or nitrogen, to prevent the filament from burning out quickly.
Incandescent bulbs, while historically significant and widespread, have become less popular in recent years. This is due to their lower energy efficiency compared to newer lighting technologies like LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps). These modern alternatives consume less electricity for the same amount of light output and have longer lifespans, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run. Nonetheless, the tungsten filament bulb remains an iconic representation of early electrical lighting.