Thomas Edison
Light Bulb
About The Light Bulb
A light bulb is a device that produces light from electricity. In addition to lighting a dark space, they can be used to show an electronic device is on, to direct traffic, for heat, and many other purposes.
Early people used candles and oil lamps for light (often from whale oil). Crude incandescent lights were made in the early and middle 19th century but had little use. Improved vacuum pumps and better materials made them shine longer and brighter late in the century. Electric generator stations brought electricity to urban and later rural areas to power them. Later gas discharge lights including fluorescent lights use less electricity to make more light.
How It was Created
Main Uses For The Light Bulb
Incandesent
Incandescent light bulbs are the traditional bulbs with which we're all familiar. They cast a warm glow but are the least efficient, and they need to be replaced most often. Use an incandescent when you want a cozier effect or want to highlight the true color of a shade.
Halogan
Halogen bulbs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs -- they provide 25 to 30 percent more light using the same amount of electricity. However, they emit a whiter light, so they're better suited for offices, kitchens, or lamps with warm-colored shades. Also, they burn at a very high temperature, so don't use one in a location where you might accidentally burn yourself.
CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light)
CFLs are the most efficient, and they're available in spiral or traditional shapes. The bulbs last much longer than traditional incandescent, and they use less electricity too. However, like halogens, they tend to emit a cold light, so they're most appropriate behind shades that will cancel out their harshness. They also contain mercury, so take care when you're handling and disposing them.