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Light bulb used to help grow plants in winter?
scienceguy asked:
Hello,
I have to design a light bulb for a project. The light bulb needs to be a source of light that will help plants grow. The light bulb should fit in a regualr light bulb fixture. The main purpose of this light bulb is to be used during winters indoor to help grow plants. The bulb must waste the least possible amount of energy.
How would you design it?
What kind of light would the light bulb emit?
How will you prevent wasting electricity?
ALL pesponses are greatly apprectiated.
3 Responses to “Light bulb used to help grow plants in winter?”
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December 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 am
You need to google on “grow lamps” to obtain useful info. See the link for example. Don’t forget though that in the winter almost any device that comsumes power (watts) indoors will help heat your building (or house basement?) and is not really “wasted.” Ten 100W bulbs are equivalent to a 1KW heater. Good luck.
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:29 am
I am guessing this is actually a homework question, but I’ll help put you on the right track.
Common household lightbulbs are called “incandescent” and generate a lot heat along with a lot of visible light. While heat does help plants somewhat, it is mostly wasted. You therefore would not want to use an incandescent light bulb.
When considering what kind of light is most helpful to plant growth you should know that ultraviolet light is more important than visible.
With these facts in mind you can search for lights that are most efficient.
December 26th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Plants reflect green, so they absorb and need red.
Use light bulbs that only give red (and onfortunately also infrared). You can use a normal l.b. but supply less voltage.
(Place 2 or 3 in series connection)