P1 Infrared Radiation

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  • Created by: SophGCSE
  • Created on: 15-10-16 16:58

Infrared Radiation

Radiation is the only method of heat transfer which doesn't require particles

Infrared Radiations key characteristics include:

Heat

All objects can emit infrared

All objects can absorb infrared 

Hotter objects emit more infrared than cooler objects 

It's a type of electromagnetic wave (travel at the speed of light) 

Different coloured surfaces emit/absorb differently

Can detect with skin but not eyes 

Can detect with a special camera (thermogram)

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Absorbing and Emitting

Dull/matt surfaces are better at absorbing than shiny surfaces

Dark surfaces absorb more than light surfaces

Darker surfaces emit heat far more rapidly than light surfaces 

Dull/matt surfaces emit more heat than shiny surfaces

Dull/matt surfaces lose heat faster than light surfaces because it's very hot compared to the surroundings so it's going to lose heat via infrared radiation rapidly

Shiny objects are good at reflecting heat 

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