EXPERIMENT NO.

BEE-1/02
Title: Characteristics of Tungsten and Carbon Filament Lamps
Objective: To study the volt-ampere, resistance-voltage and voltage-power characteristics of
Tungsten and Carbon filament lamps.
Theory: Resistance of any material varies with temperature. The electrical resistance of a
conductor is dependent on Collisional processes within the wire. The resistance could be
expected to increase with the temperature since there will be more collision.
For temperature range that is not too great, this variation can be represented
approximately as a linear function
Where,

and

are the values of the resistance at temperature

taken to be either room temperature or

metals have a small positive value of

C.

and

respectively.

is often

is the temperature coefficient of resistivity. Pure

, which means that their resistance increases with

increasing temperature. Carbon has negative value of . Therefore resistance of carbon decreases
with increase of temperature.
The temperature coefficient of Tungsten and carbon are 0.0045 and -0.0005 respectively.
Circuit Diagram:

Devices under Test:

Name of
device
Tungsten
filament lamp
Carbon
filament lamp

Quantity

Type

Rating

Maker's
Name

Sl. no.

Equipments/Instruments Required:
Name of the
Apparatus
Voltmeter
Ammeter

Quantity

Type

Range

Maker's
Name

Sl. no.

Wattmeter
Variac

Procedure:
1. The initial resistance of the filaments in cold condition is measured by multimeter or by
ammeter voltmeter method.
2. The circuit is made as shown in the circuit diagram.
3. With the tungsten lamp in the circuit and the Variac in zero position, the AC supply is
switched on.
4. The applied voltage is varied using the variac and corresponding value of voltage and
current are noted.
5. The change of the glow of the lamp with variation of voltage is observed.
6. The readings for various voltages are tabulated till the rated voltage of the lamp is
reached.
7. The steps above (3 to 6) are repeated replacing the tungsten lamp by a carbon lamp.
Experimental Data:
For Tungsten:
Resistance()
Sl No.

Voltage (V)

Current(A)

Power(W)

1
2
3
4
5
For Carbon:
Resistance()
Sl No.
1
2
3
4
5

Report:

Voltage (V)

Current(A)

Power(W)

1. The graphs of Voltage (Y-axis) Vs Current (X-axis) for both the lamps are drawn on the
same graph paper.
2. The graphs of Power (Y-axis) Vs Voltage (X-axis) for both the lamps are drawn on the
same graph paper.
3. The graphs of Voltage (Y-axis) Vs Resistance (X-axis) for both the lamps are drawn on
the same graph paper.
Observations:
1. What is the slope of the Volts Vs Resistance characteristics for both the lamps?
2. What is the nature (positive or negative) slope of the Volts Vs Resistance characteristics
for both the lamps? Give reason for such observations.
3. Can you comment on the efficiency of an incandescent lamp and fluorescent lamp?
Precaution:
1.
2.
3.
4.

The
The
The
The

voltage rating of the lamp should not be exceeded.

reading to be taken with increase of voltage. Reverse should not be done.
connection of ammeter and voltmeter should be done in proper manner.
circuit is to be done with power switch in off condition.