bulb
Definition
A bulb is a type of plant organ that is specialized for food storage.
Bulbs are typically underground, and they consist of a short stem, fleshy leaves, and a bud.
The leaves of the bulb store food, which the plant uses to grow in the spring. The bud of the bulb is the part of the plant that will grow into a new plant.
There are many different types of bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, and lilies.
In physics, a bulb is a device that produces light when an electric current passes through it. The most common type of bulb is the incandescent bulb, which has a thin wire filament that is heated by the current until it glows. Other types of bulbs include fluorescent bulbs, which use a gas to produce light, and LED bulbs, which use light-emitting diodes to produce light.
The definition of a bulb in physics is based on the following principles:
- When an electric current passes through a conductor, it creates heat.
- The amount of heat produced by an electric current is proportional to the resistance of the conductor.
- The resistance of a conductor increases as its temperature increases.
- As the filament in an incandescent bulb heats up, its resistance increases. This causes the filament to heat up even more, which creates a self-sustaining loop. The filament eventually reaches a temperature where it glows, producing light.
- The other types of bulbs work on different principles, but they all rely on the same basic principle of converting electrical energy into light energy.
Here are some of the different types of bulbs in physics:
- Incandescent bulbs: These are the most common type of bulb. They have a thin wire filament that is heated by the current until it glows.
- Fluorescent bulbs: These bulbs use a gas to produce light. When the current passes through the gas, it causes the gas to emit light.
- LED bulbs: These bulbs use light-emitting diodes to produce light. LEDs are very efficient, so they use less energy than other types of bulbs.
How can the word be used?
The onion bulb was chopped up and added to the soup.
Different forms of the word
Noun: bulb (the rounded, underground part of a plant that stores food).
Adjective: bulbous (having a bulb-shaped form).
Verb: to bulb (to form a bulb).
Etymology
The word "bulb" comes from the Latin word bulbus, which means "round, underground plant structure." The Latin word bulbus is thought to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European word bhel-, which means "to swell.".
Question
What is a bulb?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Define a "bulb" in the context of plant physiology. How does it function to support plant growth and survival?
Answer:
In the context of plant physiology, a "bulb" refers to an underground storage organ consisting of modified leaves, which some plants use to store nutrients and energy.
Function of a Bulb to Support Plant Growth and Survival:
Bulbs play a crucial role in supporting plant growth and survival in various ways:
Nutrient Storage: Bulbs store essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates and proteins, acquired during the growing season. These reserves provide the plant with a readily available energy source during periods of dormancy or adverse conditions, enabling it to survive and regrow in the following growing season.
Water Storage: The fleshy scales of the bulb can store water, helping the plant withstand dry spells or droughts by providing a reservoir of moisture for the roots.
Protection: The outer scales of the bulb act as protective layers, shielding the delicate internal tissues from external damage and potential threats like herbivores or environmental stressors.
Reproduction: Some bulbs can produce new bulbs, called offsets or bulbils, which develop around the parent bulb. This asexual reproduction ensures the continuation of the plant species and allows for the expansion of plant colonies.
In conclusion, bulbs serve as important underground storage organs that provide nutrients, water, and protection to support plant growth, survival, and reproduction. They are crucial adaptations that enable certain plant species to thrive in diverse environments and conditions.