wavelengths of light
DIY – Lighting, Incandescent or Fluorescent
For many years the pros and cons of incandescent versus fluorescent lights have been described. With the addition of CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lights), LED and other technologies the debate has shifted somewhat. But, first, some elementary science…
Incandescent bulbs acquired the name because what they do is, in essence, burn (i.e. incandesce, or glow with heat). A thin tungsten filament sits inside a partial vacuum. Electricity passes through the wire and, because it offers resistance to the flow of electrons, it heats up. Quickly, the temperature rises enough to make the metal glow.
The interior of the incandescent bulb is usually coated with a diffusing material to cut down on the bright glare of a clear, glass bulb. Though, of course, there are many clear glass lightbulbs around. That doesn’t alter the basic way the bulb operates, but it does change the look.
Tags: bright glare, incandescent bulbs, mercury atoms, tungsten filament, wavelengths of lightRelated posts