SUMMARY
Tungsten is used as a filament in incandescent bulbs primarily due to its exceptionally high melting point of 3380°C, which allows it to operate at high temperatures necessary for producing visible light. Despite having a low resistivity of 5.2 x 10^-8 ohm-meters, the key factor for tungsten's selection is its ability to withstand high temperatures without melting. This property ensures that the filament can generate light efficiently while minimizing energy loss through heat. The combination of high melting point and adequate conductivity makes tungsten the optimal choice for incandescent bulb filaments.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of Joule's law of heating
- Basic knowledge of electrical resistance and resistivity
- Familiarity with material properties, specifically melting points
- Concept of thermal conductivity in metals
NEXT STEPS
- Research the thermal properties of tungsten and its applications in lighting
- Explore the principles of incandescent lighting technology
- Learn about alternative materials used in modern lighting solutions
- Investigate energy efficiency comparisons between incandescent and LED bulbs
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics or electrical engineering, lighting designers, and anyone interested in the principles of incandescent lighting technology.