FILAMENT LAMP Meaning and
Definition
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A filament lamp, also known as an incandescent lamp, is a type of electric light bulb that produces light through the heating of a filament. Composed of a glass bulb filled with an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, the filament within the lamp is typically made of tungsten due to its high melting point and low evaporation rate.
When an electric current passes through the filament, it emits light as a result of its high temperature caused by resistive heating. The filament's electrical resistance is responsible for converting electrical energy into radiant energy, producing a visible light spectrum. However, a significant portion of the energy consumed is also converted into heat, which makes filament lamps relatively less energy-efficient than other lighting options.
Filament lamps date back to the late 19th century and have been widely used for indoor lighting due to their warm, yellowish light quality. They have a relatively simple design, with a screw or bayonet base for easy installation into light fixtures and lamps. However, the popularity of filament lamps has declined in recent years due to their low energy efficiency compared to alternatives like compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Nonetheless, they continue to be used in various applications and are still appreciated for their aesthetic appeal and warm glow.
Etymology of FILAMENT LAMP
The word "filament lamp" can be broken down into two parts: "filament" and "lamp".
The term "filament" comes from the Latin word "filamentum", which means "a thread" or "a wire". It is derived from the Latin verb "fīlare", which means "to spin or twist into threads". The use of the word "filament" in the context of a lamp refers to the thin wire that emits light when heated in the lamp.
The word "lamp" also has Latin roots, originating from the Latin word "lampas" or "lampadis", which means "torch" or "light". It has further roots in the Greek word "lampein", which means "to shine". The term "lamp" has been used to describe devices that produce light throughout history.
