Penlight facts for kids
A penlight is a tiny flashlight that looks just like a pen. It's super handy because it's small enough to fit in your pocket or clip onto your shirt. Penlights usually light up using a special kind of light called an "LED" (which stands for Light Emitting Diode). Sometimes, they might use a tiny lightbulb instead, made just for small flashlights.
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How Does a Penlight Work?
Penlights work by sending electricity through a light source. If it has an LED, the LED glows brightly when power reaches it. To turn on a penlight, you usually just press a button. For some older or simpler models, you might twist the end of the penlight. This twisting makes the parts inside connect with the batteries, allowing the electricity to flow and the light to turn on.
Powering Your Penlight
Most penlights get their power from small batteries. They commonly use two or three AAA batteries. You might also find them using AAAA batteries. AAAA batteries are a newer type that are thinner than AAA batteries. They are often found in very small electronics, like some digital pens or tiny gadgets.
What Are Penlights Made Of?
Penlights can be made from different materials. Some are made of plastic, which makes them lightweight and often colorful. Others are made from metal, making them feel more sturdy and durable. No matter the material, most penlights have a small clip. This clip is super useful! You can use it to attach the penlight to your shirt pocket, a notebook, or even a backpack strap, so it's always easy to find.
Images for kids
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A set of LED flashlights
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January 1899 Ever-Ready flashlight ad
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Miniature incandescent bulbs for use in flashlights. The tungsten filament bulb was essential to turn the flashlight from a novelty to a useful tool.
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Multiple 5 mm LEDs may be used in small flashlights.
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A medical halogen penlight to observe pupillary light reflex
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Non-incendive flashlight for use when inspecting areas full of flammable gas
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One style of diver's lamp
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Inspection light with flexible gooseneck mounting for lamp
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IPhone XR Flashlight
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Left to right: 3x AA to D parallel battery converter with rechargeable NiMH AA-size batteries inserted. MY DAY vintage flashlight. It uses 1.5 V D-size batteries. Sofirn SP36 flashlight. It features a 5 V 2 A USB-C charging port to load 3.7 V 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
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Dive flashlight with different reflectors and collimator for LED XHP70.2
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A rechargeable, programmable LED flashlight
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