PURPOSE: To show what happens to a lighted filament in the presence of air.

DESCRIPTION: Turn on the light bulb so that it burns like usual. Gently position the drill against the bulb and turn it on; it drills through the glass in a few seconds. When air (oxygen) enters the bulb it rapidly burns up with a large vapor cloud.

Click here to see a nice video of a filament burnout made by Clarence Bennett of the Oakland University (Michigan) Physics Department.

Click for Diagram and Explanation of an Incandescent Bulb.

SUGGESTIONS: See Question of the Week #235 for information on using this demonstration to enhance class involvement.

REFERENCES: (PIRA Unknown.)

EQUIPMENT: Long filament light bulb with light bulb hole drilliing gizmo, as pictured.

SETUP TIME: None.