Incandescent Light Bulbs

The most frequently used bulbs in the household are incandescent light bulbs. These glass sphere-shaped bulbs fit into most lamps, overhead lights, and other lights used around the house. Naturally, the benefits of incandescent light bulbs make them the most popularly used in residences.

First invented by Thomas Alva Edison, incandescent bulbs use a filament in a glass bulb containing a vacuum. Carbon was the element first used as filaments, but tungsten is now used because of its slower evaporation rates. The process by which incandescent bulbs create light is known as thermal radiation. Electricity is fed into the bulb, and heats up the filament inside. Because the filament is so thin, there is great amount of resistance created, and heats to make it white-hot, thereby resulting in the light we see.

Types of Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent lights are commonly distinguished by wattage, such as 75 watts or 100 watts. Voltage is also a characteristic consideration, and average life hours are approximated per bulb, for the consumer convenience. The size and shape of the sphere can vary as well, but incandescent light bulbs are generally rounded in shape and taper at the end.

Incandescent light bulbs generally emit white light, but the shade of the bulb can conveniently change the color of light given off. This is particularly handy for parties or to create mood lighting. One can easily replace most types of regular incandescent bulbs with similar shaped bulbs of various colors.