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With excessive heating of the filament caused by high mA operation for prolonged periods, more tungsten is vaporized, the filament wire becomes thinner and eventually breaks producing an _______ _________.

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Final answer:

With excessive heating of the filament caused by high mA operation for prolonged periods, more tungsten is vaporized, the filament wire becomes thinner and eventually breaks producing an open circuit. The use of tungsten allows for the emission of white light, but its vulnerability at high temperatures poses a risk to the bulb's function.

Step-by-step explanation:

With excessive heating of the filament caused by high mA operation for prolonged periods, more tungsten is vaporized, the filament wire becomes thinner and eventually breaks producing an open circuit.

A very thin wire called a filament, found in electric light bulbs, emits light when heated. This tungsten filament is used because it produces a white light that is appropriate for daily use and can emit light across a broad range of frequencies. The filament glows because of the heat generated by the current flowing through it; however, high temperatures can cause tungsten to evaporate. The filament may eventually break as a result of this process, cutting off the electrical path and resulting in an open circuit that stops the flow of electricity and extinguishes the light.

In the past, light bulbs were either partially evacuated or filled with inert gas to extend their lifespan and efficiency. In addition, this lessens filament oxidation and guards against thermal expansion-related glass cracking. Nonetheless, the chance of an open circuit greatly rises when the delicate balance is upset by elements like high current.

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User Z Chen
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