Most modern electric bulbs are filled with chemically inert gases such as argon or nitrogen. This filament would burn up extremely fast if exposed to regular air, given the oxygen content. The filament in incandescent light bulbs - the most common type of traditional light bulb - is made from tungsten, which becomes extremely hot when illuminated. Why Are Electric Bulbs Not Filled With Air?Įlectric bulbs are not filled with air because it would lead to the bulb not being able to function. These factors are largely what made Edison’s bulb so economically viable, which led to its increased popularity and essentially kick-started the artificial light revolution that began all over the world. Edison developed a more effective incandescent material and better vacuum than any previous bulb, as well as centralized electrical distribution. The most common notion of how the modern light bulb was created came about in 1879, when Thomas Edison expanded on a range of work that had been accumulated since 1802 to produce the first economical and practical light bulb.

This made the carbon glow, which produced light - though it did not last long and was much too bright for any sort of practical use. It was created when Davy connected wires from a piece of carbon to a battery. The first electric light was known as an “c arbon arm lamp” and it was invented in 1802 by an English doctor named Sir Humphrey Davy.

How Was the Light Bulb Initially Created?īefore electric light bulbs, flame lanterns and lamps were how people got most of their light. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about different types of light bulbs, from their invention in the 1800s to one of the most ubiquitous and utilized creations one that has become absolutely essential for daily life in every corner of the world. When this finally occurred, it changed the world - perhaps more so than any other invention ever. Oil lamps and lanterns were used for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until electricity was harnessed to illuminate light bulbs that we were able to really create artificial light. Let there be light! Before the 20th century, light was limited to what came from the sun or fire.

Motion sensor outdoor light bulb