Thermolite Lightbulb

• Thermolite
• 5.25 in. H x 3.25 in. diameter
  Brass, glass, copper, carbon
• On display in Making Modernity
• 2007.110.038

Description

Incandescent lightbulbs, or lamps, provide artificial light via incandescence. A current is passed through the thin filament, causing it to heat up and emit light. The glass bulb helps prevent oxygen in the air from reaching the heated filament, which would otherwise rapidly disintegrate owing to oxidation.