ELECTRIC LIGHTING Meaning and
Definition
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Electric lighting refers to the utilization of electricity to produce and emit light for the purpose of illumination in various settings. It is a system of artificial lighting that involves the conversion of electrical energy into visible light. This technology revolutionized the way humans illuminate their surroundings, replacing the traditional methods of lighting, such as gas lamps and candles.
The advent of electric lighting can be attributed to the invention of the incandescent light bulb by Thomas Edison in the late 19th century. This breakthrough enabled the efficient conversion of electrical energy into light, providing a safe, reliable, and easily controllable light source. It paved the way for the widespread adoption of electric lighting across homes, public spaces, and industrial facilities.
Electric lighting systems typically consist of various components, including light bulbs, fixtures, electrical wiring, and switches. The light bulbs, commonly made of a tungsten filament enclosed in a glass bulb filled with inert gases, produce light when an electric current passes through them, heating up the filament and causing it to glow.
Electric lighting offers numerous advantages, including improved visibility, energy efficiency, and longevity compared to traditional lighting alternatives. It allows for illumination at any time of the day or night, independent of natural daylight availability. Moreover, electric lighting has significantly enhanced safety, productivity, and comfort in both indoor and outdoor environments, contributing to the advancement of numerous industries, commerce, and daily living.
Etymology of ELECTRIC LIGHTING
The word "electric" is derived from the New Latin word "electricus", which means "like amber" or "from amber". This is because ancient Greeks discovered that rubbing amber could produce an electrical charge. The term "lighting" is derived from the Old English word "lihtan", which means "to make bright or shine". Therefore, the phrase "electric lighting" combines the concept of electrical charge (from amber) with the idea of making something bright or shining, referring to the use of electricity to produce light.
