Incandescent light bulbs produce light when an electric current passes through a filament, heating it until it produces light via black body radiation. They burn out because the filament oxidizes when exposed to oxygen that either leaks into the bulb or is present after it’s manufactured.
Fluorescent lamps are more complicated than incandescent light bulbs and can fail in many ways. The most common ways a fluorescent lamp will fail is when the ballast electronics fail or when the bulb loses its mercury or phosphor.
LED bulbs do burn out contrary to popular belief. Although they last much longer than incandescent light bulbs, the heat produced gradually changes the properties of the semiconducting material. The result is failure or reduced light output.
The moral of the story is, nothing lasts forever.
The heat
produced gradually changes the properties of the semiconducting material.
Why do light bulbs burn out?
Incandescent light bulbs produce light when an electric current passes through a filament, heating it until it produces light via black body radiation. They burn out because the filament oxidizes when exposed to oxygen that either leaks into the bulb or is present after it’s manufactured.
Fluorescent lamps are more complicated than incandescent light bulbs and can fail in many ways. The most common ways a fluorescent lamp will fail is when the ballast electronics fail or when the bulb loses its mercury or phosphor.
LED bulbs do burn out contrary to popular belief. Although they last much longer than incandescent light bulbs, the heat produced gradually changes the properties of the semiconducting material. The result is failure or reduced light output.
The moral of the story is, nothing lasts forever.