There is a deep sense of wonder in how a light bulb works. Although most people understand the function of a light bulb, not many appreciate the physics in how it converts electrical energy into light. The quantum physics behind this basic technique can help explain why some bulbs explode. The operating principle behind a light bulb The first step to getting a light bulb is to connect it to an electrical source. The filament in the bulbs burns and becomes hot. Because hot objects glow, the filament will become a light source. The hotter it becomes, the brighter the light, thus the whiter it becomes. However, the filament on its own will eventually burn out and cease to create light. The presence of air, especially oxygen, causes a chemical reaction that destroys the filament. Light bulbs h ...