Infrared radiation is a type of radiation in the electromagnetic spectrum, with a wavelength slightly longer than red rays. It is heat that humans can feel but not see. Infrared cameras can detect it and are used for military, astronomical, and meteorological purposes.
Infrared radiation, also known as “IR,” is just one type of radiation that exists within the electromagnetic spectrum. The radiation that is used in microwave ovens is one type of radiation that has a place in the electromagnetic spectrum, while the radiation that is used in hospitals to create X-ray images is another. The light rays that allow humans to see the world around them and the radio waves used to broadcast news and music are also types of radiation that exist within the electromagnetic spectrum.
Infrared radiation is so called because the wavelength of infrared rays is only slightly longer than that of red rays. The only types of radiation humans can detect are light rays. If humans could see infrared rays on the color spectrum, they would appear just after or below red. The Latin infra translates to “under.”
Infrared radiation is an incredibly important part of every human being’s life. This is because IR is literally heat. While human eyes cannot visibly detect IR, they can definitely feel it. Wrap a hand around a cup of hot cocoa, take a walk in balmy weather, or enjoy sizzling fajitas; in all these experiences they interact directly with IR.
Although the human eye cannot detect radiation, scientists have developed mechanical eyes that can. IR cameras can take pictures of objects and beings that convey their topography in terms of the amount of heat they emit. For example, in an IR photo of a snake eating a rat, the cold-blooded snake would be nearly invisible, but humans would be able to see the warm-blooded rat’s thermal outline.
There are many uses for infrared cameras. They are used by the military to obtain information about a target or place of interest. They are also used by astronomers to learn more about the cosmos. Meteorologists also use infrared-sensitive cameras to predict upcoming temperatures and weather.
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