In an electric bulb, most of the power consumed by the filament appears as heat, but a small part is radiated as light. The primary form of energy conversion is from electrical energy to heat, with measures such as using tungsten filaments, thermal isolation, and gas filling to enhance the efficiency of light emission.
What is the primary form of energy conversion in an electric bulb, and what measures are taken to enhance its efficiency?
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The primary form of energy conversion in an electric bulb is from electrical energy to light and heat. When current passes through the bulb’s filament, it heats up due to resistance, producing visible light and infrared radiation. To enhance efficiency, measures include using tungsten filaments with high melting points, inert gases (like argon) inside the bulb to reduce filament evaporation, and coatings to reflect heat back onto the filament. Additionally, advancements like LED bulbs have become more efficient by directly converting electrical energy into light with minimal heat loss, contributing to energy conservation and longer bulb life.