Which form of energy is transformed to power a light bulb?

The transformation of electrical energy to power a light bulb is a fundamental principle in understanding how light bulbs operate. Electrical energy, which is the energy derived from electric charge, is supplied to the light bulb through a circuit. When this energy flows through the filament or the LED components of the bulb, it encounters resistance, resulting in the conversion of electrical energy into light and heat.

This process demonstrates how the electrical energy is transformed into radiant energy (light), allowing the bulb to illuminate. The efficiency of different types of light bulbs can vary, but the essential mechanism of using electrical energy remains the same across various designs.

In contrast, while chemical energy can be transformed into electrical energy in batteries, or mechanical energy can produce electricity through generators, those forms do not directly power a light bulb. Similarly, nuclear energy, although capable of generating electricity in power plants, is not the direct source of energy for a typical light bulb.