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.

Thanks and Regards

Apoorva Arora

IIT Roorkee

askIITians Faculty

INFRARED  WAVES ARE GENERATED FROM HOT BODIES.  THEY HEAT UP THE  SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT AND LIFE.  HENCE INFRARED WAVES ARE CALLED HEAT WAVES

They are referred as heat waves because they are readily absorbed by water molecules in most materials, which increase their thermal motion, so they heat up the material

Dear student,

Please find the solution to your problem below.

 

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.

 

Hope it helps.

Thanks and Regards,

Kushagra