Lighting plays a crucial role in our lives. It illuminates our paths, facilitates productivity, enhances mood and has a considerable impact on our overall-being. The evolution of lighting in the 20th century marked a significant turning point in the history of technological advancement. From incandescent bulbs to LED lights, this article explores the journey of lighting over the last century.
Incandescent Bulbs: The Beginning of Lighting
The incandescent bulb was the first-ever commercially viable lighting technology invented by Thomas Edison in 1879. An incandescent bulb illuminates when it heats a filament inside the bulb until it glows. In the early 20th century, the filament was made of carbon, which was later replaced with tungsten. Incandescent lighting quickly became popular in homes and businesses as it was affordable and easy to produce.
The Disadvantages of Incandescent Lighting
Despite its advantages, incandescent lighting had several downsides. One major disadvantage was its short lifespan. The average lifespan of an incandescent bulb was around 1,000 hours, which meant frequent replacements. Additionally, it consumed a lot of energy and produced a lot of heat. Incandescent lighting was also prone to breakage and produced harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Fluorescent Lighting: A New Alternative
The 1930s saw the invention of fluorescent lighting by General Electric. A fluorescent bulb is different from an incandescent bulb. It contains a gas inside a tube, and an electric current passes through it to produce ultraviolet radiation. The radiation excites the phosphor coating on the inside of the tube, producing visible light. Fluorescent bulbs consumed less energy and lasted longer than incandescent bulbs.
Disadvantages of Fluorescent Lighting
However, the first-generation fluorescent lighting had several downsides. They were bulky, contained mercury, and did not work well in cold temperatures. Fluorescent bulbs also produced a flickering effect that could cause headaches and eyestrain.
The Rise of LED Lighting
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting changed the lighting industry dramatically in the late 20th century. LED technology was invented in the 1960s but was not commercially available until later. LED lighting is created by passing an electric current through a semiconductor material, causing electrons to jump and creating light. LED bulbs were more energy-efficient and long-lasting than their predecessors.
Advantages of LED Lighting
LED lighting has several advantages over incandescent and fluorescent lighting. It has a longer lifespan, consumes less energy, and produces significantly less heat. LEDs are more durable and less prone to breakage than other lighting options. Additionally, LED lighting is compatible with smart home technology and can be turned on and off remotely.
In conclusion, the evolution of the lighting industry has come a long way over the last century, from the incandescent bulbs to LED lighting. Each lighting technology had its advantages and disadvantages, but the rise of LED lighting marked a new era in energy efficiency, long lifespan, and easy compatibility with modern technology. The advancements in lighting technology have had a profound impact on our daily lives and will continue to do so for future generations.