Filamentpærer

Filamentpærer, also known as incandescent light bulbs, are a type of electric light that produces light by heating a metal filament until it glows. This filament is typically made of tungsten, chosen for its high melting point. The filament is enclosed in a glass bulb that is either filled with an inert gas or is a vacuum. This prevents the filament from oxidizing and burning out quickly.

When an electric current passes through the filament, it encounters resistance, causing it to heat up to a high temperature, typically around 2,700 Kelvin (approximately 2,427 degrees Celsius). This heat causes the filament to emit visible light, a process known as incandescence. While effective at producing light, filamentpærer are notoriously inefficient. A significant portion of the energy consumed is lost as heat rather than converted into light. This characteristic has led to their gradual phasing out in many regions in favor of more energy-efficient lighting technologies like LED and fluorescent bulbs.

Despite their inefficiency, filamentpærer were the dominant form of electric lighting for over a century. They are known for their warm, familiar light quality and their ability to dim smoothly. In some niche applications, such as decorative lighting or where specific aesthetic qualities are desired, they may still be used. However, their widespread replacement is driven by global efforts to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.