Physics: Unit 1

Infrared Radiation

Key Points

• Infrared radiation is energy transfer by electromagnetic waves
• All objects emit infrared radiation
• The hotter and object is the more infrared radiation it emits in a given time

INFRARED RADIATION: Electromagnetic waves between visible light and microwaves in the electromagnetic spectrum.
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE: Electric and magnetic disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another. The spectrum of magnetic waves, in order of increasing wavelength, is as follows:

• Gamma Rays and x-rays
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Visible light
• Infrared radiation
• Microwaves
• Radio waves

We can detect infrared radiation on our skin as it can make us feel warmth. 

What is a vacuum?  A vacuum is an area of space containing nothing, not even particles. Vacuums can be made but through difficulty.

Infrared radiation travels through a vacuum (through space) This is how we get energy from the sun.

Surfaces and Radiation

Key Points

• Dark, matt surfaces emit infrared radiation more quickly than light, shiny surfaces.
• …