Which type of light is commonly used in household lamps and is generated by heating a metal filament?

Incandescent light is generated by heating a metal filament, typically tungsten, until it glows. This process, known as incandescence, occurs when electrical current passes through the filament, causing it to heat up and emit light. Incandescent bulbs have been widely used in household lamps for many years due to their warm and pleasing light quality.

Fluorescent lights, on the other hand, operate on a different principle, using gas and phosphorescent materials to produce light, which involves a chemical reaction rather than heating a filament. LED lights, or light-emitting diodes, generate light through electroluminescence and are known for their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Halogen lights are a type of incandescent light but typically contain a halogen gas that allows the filament to operate at higher temperatures, improving efficiency and brightness. However, the defining characteristic of standard incandescent light is its reliance on a heated filament to generate illumination.