Oxidation - Failed Lightbulb (Scott Holloway)

Author(s)

Scott Holloway

Principles Illustrated

Filament in a lightbulb does not burn, but glows. If air (oxygen) gets into the bulb of a lightbulb, the filament will burn out.

Standards

Questioning Script

Prior knowledge & experience:

What happens to a wire when electricity passes through it?

Root question:

Why are lightbulbs sealed?

Target response:

Lightbulbs are sealed to keep the filament from burning out.

Common Misconceptions:

Steel wool cannot burn. The wire in a light bulb will not burn. The glass bulb is there only to spread the light out in all directions.

Photographs and Movies

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incandescent_light_bulb

http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-safety/fire/outlet-overload1.htm