lampada

A lampada, or lâmpada, is a device that converts electrical energy into light, used to illuminate spaces such as homes, offices, and streets. In everyday language, the term often refers to the light bulb itself—the replaceable bulb that is installed into a lamp fixture or into lighting circuits. The design and terminology vary by region, but the basic function remains the same: produce visible light from electrical power.

Historically, electric lighting evolved from early carbon-filament lamps to modern, highly efficient sources. An incandescent lamp contains a filament enclosed in a glass envelope; when current passes through the filament, it heats up and emits light. These lamps are inexpensive and simple but consume more energy for the amount of light produced, leading to widespread replacement by more efficient technologies.

Other lamp types include halogen lamps, which use a halogen gas cycle to improve efficiency and lifespan; fluorescent lamps, including compact fluorescents (CFLs), which generate light through gas-discharge processes that excite phosphors; and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which convert electrical energy directly into light with high efficiency and long life. LEDs have become the dominant technology in many applications due to energy savings, durability, and design flexibility.

Common specifications for lampadas include wattage, luminous flux measured in lumens, color temperature expressed in kelvin, and life expectancy in hours. The base type (such as E26/E27, GU10, or B22) determines how the lampada is connected to the electrical fixture.

Environmental considerations emphasize energy efficiency and disposal. LEDs and other low-energy lamps reduce electricity use, while many lampadas contain materials that should be recycled or disposed of properly at end of life.