What does power have to do with light bulbs?

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In summary, power is the rate at which electrical energy is used to produce light. The more power used, the more light is produced, resulting in a brighter light bulb. This can be achieved by either increasing the size of the filament or heating it to a higher temperature.
  • #1
accelerate23
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power= work/time

Also:
Why are certain wattages of light bulbs brighter than others?
 
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  • #2
Light is radiated power; Power is not just a mechanical thing.
 
  • #3
Take the old incandescent bulbs. The electricity does work to heat the filament, causing it to radiate energy as light. That would cool it down again, so more electricity has to be used all the time to keep it hot. The rate of using electrical energy is power.
 
  • #4
Light is a form of energy (work). The more light you want, the more/ faster electrical energy you have to convert into light energy.
 
  • #5
accelerate23 said:
Why are certain wattages of light bulbs brighter than others?
More power enables you to heat a tungsten filament of greater dimension (in length or thickness)---to the same glowing temperature---so with more radiating surface, you have more light. More light = greater brightness.
F8N5g.gif
 
  • #6
NascentOxygen said:
More power enables you to heat a tungsten filament of greater dimension (in length or thickness)---to the same glowing temperature---so with more radiating surface, you have more light. More light = greater brightness.
F8N5g.gif

Or heat the same size filament to a higher temperature, thus creating a larger portion of the radiated light in the visible spectrum (e.g. halogen bulbs). :cool:
 

1. What is the relationship between power and light bulbs?

Power and light bulbs have a direct relationship because the amount of power, or electricity, that flows through a light bulb determines its brightness. The higher the power, the brighter the light bulb will be.

2. How does power affect the lifespan of a light bulb?

The power used by a light bulb can also impact its lifespan. If a light bulb is constantly used at a higher power, it will burn out quicker compared to a light bulb used at a lower power. This is because the higher power causes the filament in the bulb to burn hotter and wear out faster.

3. Can using lower power bulbs help save energy?

Yes, using light bulbs with lower power can help save energy. This is because lower power bulbs use less electricity, which can reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bill.

4. How do watts and lumens relate to power and light bulbs?

Watts and lumens are both measurements that are related to power and light bulbs. Watts measure the amount of power used by a light bulb, while lumens measure the amount of light that is emitted. Therefore, a light bulb with a higher wattage will typically have a higher lumen output.

5. Can using too much power damage a light bulb?

Yes, using too much power can damage a light bulb. When a light bulb is used at a higher power than it is designed for, it can cause the filament to overheat and burn out. This can also lead to the bulb exploding or melting, which can be dangerous. It is important to use the recommended power for each light bulb to avoid damage and ensure safety.

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