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In an incandescent electric bulb, the filament of the bulb is made up of which metal?
Explanation
In an incandescent electric bulb, the filament is made of tungsten. This metal is chosen primarily due to its exceptionally high melting point of approximately 3422°C (6192°F), which is the highest among all metals. Incandescent bulbs operate by heating a filament to temperatures between 2500°C and 3000°C until it glows and emits visible light. Tungsten can withstand these extreme temperatures without melting or losing its structural integrity. Additionally, tungsten possesses a low vapor pressure and a low rate of evaporation at high temperatures, which prevents the filament from thinning rapidly and ensures the bulb's longevity. While other metals like copper, silver, and aluminium are excellent conductors, their significantly lower melting points (e.g., 1085°C for copper and 660°C for aluminium) make them unsuitable for use as filaments in incandescent lighting.