Types Of Light Bulbs
Explore the Types of Light Bulbs. It seems like light bulbs have been around since forever, but the truth is that since the time they have been invented, they have never stopped being used. Never would you have heard that light bulbs are no longer in use: every home, every building has these bulbs, in whatever shape, size or type. Their invention is dated back to the 1800s, and although the invention is not really accredited to a single person, Thomas Alva Edison is a name constantly taken when it comes to light bulbs. There are many different types of light bulbs that were invented later. Let us discuss them and help you decide which would fit better in your interior.
Incandescent Light Bulbs
The most primitive types of light bulbs, incandescent light bulbs follow an electricity-light-heat method. The tungsten filament of the lamp is either in vacuum or suspended in argon and nitrogen mixture, and as electricity is passed through the filament, it glows a bright yellow-white, dispensing light in all directions. It is less efficient as it converts a very small percent of electric energy into light; the rest of the energy is dissipated in the form of heat. Also, these types of light bulbs do not have a very long life as the filament is prone to damage when the tungsten evaporates, leaving it uneven. But they are still highly recommended for simple household usage.
Halogen Light Bulbs
These types of light bulbs are more efficient and durable compared to the incandescent light bulbs. The tungsten filament is enclosed in a small bulb chamber that is filled with halogen gas. Halogen causes the evaporated tungsten (that is stuck to the walls of the bulb) to stick back to the filament, thus prolonging the filament’s life. It is more efficient as its ratio of electricity to light is more than that of incandescent light bulbs, and although the filament needs to be hotter, krypton gas decelerates the evaporation process that happens as a result. These types of light bulbs are; however, expensive and prone to fire hazards.
Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent Light Bulbs function by passing electric energy through the cathodes filled with mercury, which cause it to emit ultraviolet light onto the phosphorus covered glass, with in turn, processes it to produce intense degree of light. Special devices are used to regulate the flow of voltage to the bulb and although more costly, these types of light bulbs have several advantages. They are extremely durable and hardly produce a heating effect as compared to its precursors. Moreover, they produce a light so bright that it increases the visibility tenfold.
High-Intensity Discharge Lamps
These types of light bulbs have high pressure cathodes that are filled with a special gas and metal combination. An electricity arc is hit upon it, whereupon light is produced. HIDs have the advantage of being more durable and efficient, and a production rate of a large quantity of light.
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Light is emitted when the semiconductors are conducted electricity, causing the electrons to combine and emit photons. The different wavelengths of the photons which determine the color of the light are influenced by the pattern of the semiconductor itself. These types of light bulbs are more expensive but are durable, efficient and require less energy.
