Hehkulamppuun

Hehkulamppuun, commonly known as an incandescent light bulb, is a simple and historically significant source of electric light. It operates by passing an electric current through a thin filament, typically made of tungsten, which heats up and glows, producing light. This process is known as incandescence. The filament is enclosed in a glass bulb that is either evacuated or filled with an inert gas, such as argon or nitrogen, to prevent the filament from oxidizing and burning out quickly.

The concept of incandescent lighting was developed over decades by numerous inventors, with Thomas Edison often credited for developing a practical and commercially viable version in the late 19th century. Early bulbs had short lifespans and were inefficient, but technological advancements led to improved durability and brightness. Despite their historical importance, incandescent bulbs are energy-intensive, with a significant portion of the electrical energy converted into heat rather than light. This inefficiency has led to their gradual phasing out in many parts of the world in favor of more energy-efficient lighting technologies like LEDs and fluorescent lamps. However, their simple design, low initial cost, and warm, familiar light quality mean they are still found in some applications.