volframisäikeen

Volframisäie, also known as a tungsten filament, is a thin wire made from the metal tungsten. It is most commonly recognized for its use as the light-emitting element in incandescent light bulbs. When an electric current passes through the volframisäie, its high electrical resistance causes it to heat up to a very high temperature. This incandescence results in the emission of visible light.

Tungsten is chosen for this application due to its exceptionally high melting point, approximately 3422 degrees Celsius (6192 degrees Fahrenheit), and its strength at high temperatures. These properties are crucial for the filament to withstand the extreme heat generated during operation without melting or deforming. The filament is typically coiled to increase its length and surface area within a smaller volume, thereby increasing light output.

The manufacturing process for volframisäie involves drawing tungsten powder into very fine wires. These wires are then coiled into the desired shape. The filament is enclosed within a glass bulb, which is often filled with an inert gas or a vacuum to prevent oxidation of the hot tungsten, which would cause it to burn out quickly. Over time, the tungsten atoms evaporate from the filament, causing it to thin and eventually break, leading to the failure of the light bulb. Modern lighting technologies have largely replaced incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient alternatives, but the volframisäie remains a classic example of applied material science.