No, because copper wire has low resistance and will not produce much heat and light

Can you use a copper wire to make the filament of an electric bulb?

No, copper wire cannot be used to make the filament of an electric bulb. The filament in an electric bulb is typically made of tungsten, not copper. There are several reasons why tungsten is chosen over copper for this purpose.

Tungsten's High Melting Point
One of the primary reasons why tungsten is used as the filament material is its high melting point. Copper has a relatively low melting point of 1,085 degrees Celsius, whereas tungsten has an extremely high melting point of 3,410 degrees Celsius. The high temperature in an electric bulb requires a filament material that can withstand such heat without melting or deforming. Tungsten's high melting point makes it suitable for this purpose.

Tungsten's High Resistance
Another important characteristic of the filament material is its resistance to electrical current. Copper has a relatively low electrical resistance, which means it would allow a large amount of current to flow through it. However, for an electric bulb to function effectively, the filament needs to have a high resistance to generate the desired amount of light and heat. Tungsten has a much higher resistance compared to copper, making it a better choice for a filament material.

Tungsten's Strength and Durability
Tungsten is also known for its strength and durability. The filament of an electric bulb needs to be able to withstand the physical stresses and high temperatures it is subjected to during operation. Copper, on the other hand, is relatively soft and less durable. Tungsten's strength and durability make it more suitable for this application.

Tungsten's Light Emission
When electrical current passes through the filament, it heats up and emits light. Tungsten has a unique property that allows it to emit light at a higher temperature compared to other materials. This property, known as incandescence, is crucial for the functioning of an electric bulb. Copper does not possess this property to the same extent as tungsten, making it unsuitable for use as a filament material.

In conclusion, while copper is a good conductor of electricity, it cannot be used to make the filament of an electric bulb due to its low melting point, low resistance, and lack of incandescence. Tungsten, with its high melting point, high resistance, strength, durability, and ability to emit light at high temperatures, is the preferred material for electric bulb filaments.