Why are infrared radiations referred to as heat waves also? Name the radiations which are next to these radiations in electromagnetic specturm having (i) Shorter wavelength. (ii) Longer wavelength.

Infrared waves, with frequencies lower than those of visible light, vibrate
not only the electrons, but entire atoms or molecules in the structure of the
glass. This vibration increases the internal energy and temperature of the structure, which is why infrared waves are often called heat waves. The radiations which are next in the electromagnetic spectrum having shorter wavelength is visible light and that having longer wavelength is microwave.

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Apoorva Arora

IIT Roorkee

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