2007-03-20 08:35:36 · 10 answers · asked by drammogan 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Yes it can, but good vacuum is hard to come by and makes the bulb more likely to implode.
Argon is used because that keeps the filament from burning up.
2007-03-20 08:38:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Tungsten metal in a bulb filament almost reaches the boiling point of the metal when it is heated to "glow" bright and in fact, some of the Tunsgsten atoms do boil off of the surface. Over time this makes the filament thinner and eventually the filament breaks (the bulb burns out).
IF the bulb were simply a vacuum, this process would go on, and the bulb would burn out. But, if an inert gas were to be put into the bulb, then the atoms of the inert gas would tend to push the Tunsgten atoms back onto the filiment, and it would take longer for it to burn out. The cheapest inert gas is Argon. Inert gas must be used, because any other gas would react with the Tungsten and cause it to burn out very rapidly.
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2007-03-20 15:38:43 · answer #2 · answered by tlbs101 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Argon is produced commercially by the fractional distillation of liquid air. It is used in large quantities to fill electric light bulbs. If air is left in incandescent bulbs, the filament burns; if the bulb is evacuated, as was formerly done, the tungsten filament tends to evaporate, blackening the inside of the bulb. To prevent this evaporation, the bulb can be filled with nitrogen, which is the least expensive gas for the purpose, or argon, which is better, as it is a poorer conductor of heat and so cools the filament less.
Argon is also used in one type of neon lamp. Whereas pure neon gives a red light, argon gives a blue light. Argon tubes require a lower voltage than neon tubes, and for this reason small amounts of argon are sometimes mixed with neon. Argon is also used in electric-arc technology, in gas lasers, and in arc welding.
2007-03-20 15:41:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can, but the bulb is stronger if it is left with internal pressure. When a bulb is made, air is sucked out of it, then it is backfilled with argon, or another inert gas. Then, it is quickly melted shut. The reason for an inert gas or vacuum is to keep the filament from oxidizing and burning out quickly.
2007-03-20 15:42:44 · answer #4 · answered by dancerman_77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A guess..... a full vacuum might not be possible without implosion. Any vacuum might make the bulb too susceptible to easy implosion .. argon is inert, so has no interaction with the tungsten element..... and avoids the vacuum problem.
2007-03-20 15:40:33 · answer #5 · answered by waynebudd 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is difficult to achieve a true vacuum, and we need a material that could stand up to it and still allow light through, and be inexpensive to make. Argon allows the filament to glow and not burn up and is available. the light weight glass can hold the argon, where it could not hold a vacuum.
2007-03-20 15:40:21 · answer #6 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Light bulbs are very thin and thus break pretty easily. Just a hard flick could break one. I doubt a vacuum could be held inside a bulb like that and if it could would break ridiculously easy.
2007-03-20 15:40:20 · answer #7 · answered by Cutoff 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
argon is inert meaning its nonreactive so it wont cause the filament to burn. if it was a vacuum it might implode
2007-03-20 22:36:58 · answer #8 · answered by 22 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could, but manufacturing details make argon cheaper.
2007-03-20 15:46:40 · answer #9 · answered by sojsail 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See the reference for the real reasons.
2007-03-20 15:53:12 · answer #10 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋