1s A Light Bulb A Resistor? Technically Understand
The light bulb and a resistor both work differently to regulate the electric current in different ways. One converts the electric current into visible light, while the other prevents electricity from flowing too quickly.
Therefore, the question arises: is a light bulb a resistor? So, the light bulb is not the standard resistor because it is incapable of managing or controlling the flow of electricity. In this article, we will discuss the difference between them and their relationship to each other.
Understanding the working of the Light Bulb:
First of all, we understand the light bulb’s efficiency and how it works. Then we will discuss that is a light bulb a resistor.
Light Bulbs:
You must use the light bulb in your home which is a device to produce the light. The light bulb is one of the most usable and greatest innovations. Heat is produced when an electric current flows through the filament. As a result, it makes it glow and release visible light.
Principles of Operation for Light Bulbs:
Now, examine the working of the light bulb more closely. The light bulb holder is fixed on the board. So, when the electric current passes through the filament, it transforms electrical energy into another kind of energy, such as heat or light. As a result, the bulb produces the light.
Types of light bulbs and their applications:
There are various types of light bulbs that are used to produce light according to their unique features. The most common types such as incandescent, fluorescent, LED bulbs, and others. However, different types of light bulbs cater to domestic and industrial needs for different purposes.
Understanding the working of the Resistor:
Now, after analyzing the light bulb we deeply understand the resistor efficiency and how the resistor works.
Resistors:
Resistors are the small electrical components that are used inside the circuits. However, the purpose of the resistors is to change electrical resistance. So, it is a passive component that only consumes power but cannot generate it.
Principles of Operation for Resistors:
Resistors that have the primary function is to limit or regulate the flow of electrical current or voltage in an electronic circuit. Moreover, resistors can be utilized to supply a particular voltage to an active component like a transistor.
Types of resistors and their applications:
There are several types of resistors such as fixed, variable, and specialized resistors. These resistors are used in electric circuits to perform the different tasks. Mostly these resistors are used to ensure the safety, stability, and functionality of electric devices.
What is the difference between the light bulb and the resistors?
After understanding the working process of both, you can easily analyze the differences between them.
| Light Bulb | Resistors |
| Design to produce the light. | Design to control the flow in the electric circuit. |
| It transfers the electric current into heat and light. | Resistors can be utilized to supply a particular voltage |
| It is used in the household to industry levels to produce light. | It is specially designed to control the flow in the electric circuit to ensure the safety, and functionality of electric devices |
| Incandescent, fluorescent, and LED bulbs are the types. | Fixed, variable, and specialized resistors are the types. |
| It does not have the capacity to manage or control the flow of electricity. | It does not produce heat and light. |
Is a light bulb a resistor?
After understanding the difference between them you can easily recognize whether a light bulb is a resistor or not. So, we can understand why we do not call the light bulb is not exactly a resistor after understanding the difference.
However, the light bulb acts as a resistor in a few cases. Now, you feel puzzled about why a light bulb acts as a resistor. So, to understand this point you need to know about the Ohm law. According to the law, the voltage across a conductor is directly proportional to the current flowing through it.
Moreover, the ohm formulas are used to calculate the relationship between the voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit or electric bulb. Krystal from WiringSolver explained that the current in the circuit will undoubtedly grow as the voltage rises, but it will do it linearly in the circuit.
Resistance to the flow of electrons is provided by resistors. So, the resisters that control the current flow in the circuit. Hence, if the resistor is non-ohmic, it doesn’t adjust to the voltage’s increase or decrease. As a result, the resistance depends on the type of material and the amount of current that passes through the electronic devices.
Why do the light bulbs act as resistors?
So, without any doubt, we say that the light bulb is not a standard resistor. After understanding the ohm and non-ohmic resistors or bulbs you know why the light bulb acts as a resistor. Now, discuss the relationship between the light bulb and the resistors.
The light bulb acts as a resistor due to the presence of the filaments. The filament is made of coiled wire that as designed has a certain resistance to control the electric current flow in the light bulb.
As a result, when the electric current passes through the filament, the current faces the resistance. So, the filament heats up and transforms electrical current light. So, of course, you can consider a light bulb a resistor.
The filament works like a resistor and offers the resistance that helps to regulate the current flow in the circuit. So, the resistance in the bulb is an essential aspect of its functionality, and controlling the current flow regulates the intensity of the light produced.
How to use a light bulb as a resistor?
In the above discussion, we explain that the light bulb is not a conventional resistor but it acts as a resistor due to the presence of the filament. The main purpose of the light bulb is to produce the light.
However, in some cases, you can use the light bulb as a resistor to control the current flow in electric circuits. If you analyze that the engineers perform the same job with a light bulb in the place of a resistor.
On the other hand, it is not recommended to use the light bulb in the place of a resistor in the circuit to perform the resistor tasks in all situations. Because it does not perform overall as a resistor and as a result, the current flow will not remain constant in the bulb.
Moreover, the filament acts as a resistance in the light bulb and the changing heat or voltage also affects the light bulb’s resistance. So, it can be harmful to your circuit. So, note that you can use the light bulb as a resistor in certain cases with limitations.
What considerations and limitations are needed when using a light bulb as a resistor?
Here are some limitations listed below after following them you can use the light bulb as a resistor. However, always remember that a light bulb in place of a resistor is not ideal in all cases. You can use them in just several cases.
- Understand the resistance of the light bulb and select it based on the wattage rating and desired resistance value.
- In order to control the current in the circuit connect the light bulb in series with it and ensure functionality.
- Modify the circuit settings according to the light bulb resistance capability.
- Ensure the temperature stays within a safe range. Because the temperature can affect a light bulb’s resistance.
- Employ the light bulb in the place of the resistor only in circumstances where it is acceptable to accept resistance variability. Also, where a precise resistance value is not essential.
- Note that the light bulb resistance is different from that of a regular resistor. So, irresponsibility can be harmful to your circuit.
Conclude:
I hope you have found the answer: a light bulb or a resistor. After understanding the difference between them you recognize that a light bulb acts like a resistor. However, the light bulb is not the standard resistor.
Moreover, you can use the light bulb in place of the resistors in some cases after understanding the limitations. The voltage and electron density flowing through the lightbulb determine how well it resists like a resistor. However, to ensure safety it is not recommended in all situations.
