Infrared Waves – Class 12 | Chapter – 8 | Physics Short Notes Series PDF for NEET & JEE

Infrared Waves: Infrared waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from about 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter, and frequencies ranging from about 300 GHz to 430 THz. Infrared radiation is often divided into three categories: near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far-infrared (FIR). 

Applications of Infrared Waves

Infrared radiation is used in many applications, including:

  • Thermography: Infrared radiation can be used to create thermal images of objects, allowing people to see areas of heat and temperature differences. This is used in applications such as building inspection, electrical troubleshooting, and medical imaging.
  • Heating: Infrared radiation is used to heat objects directly, without heating the surrounding air. This is used in applications such as space heating, drying, and cooking.
  • Communication: Infrared radiation is used in remote control systems, such as those used with televisions and other electronic devices. It is also used in wireless data transmission, such as in infrared wireless keyboards and computer mice.
  • Spectroscopy: Infrared radiation is used in spectroscopy, allowing scientists to study the properties of materials by measuring the way they interact with infrared radiation. This is used in applications such as chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, and materials science.
  • Astronomy: Infrared radiation is used in astronomy to study objects that are difficult to observe with visible light, such as dusty clouds, cool stars, and distant galaxies.
  • Security: Infrared radiation is used in security applications, such as surveillance cameras and night vision systems, allowing people to see in low-light conditions.

Properties of Infrared Waves

Infrared waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with several unique properties, including:

  • Wavelength: The wavelength of infrared waves ranges from about 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter, which is longer than the wavelength of visible light but shorter than that of microwaves.
  • Frequency: The frequency of infrared waves ranges from about 300 GHz to 430 THz, which is higher than the frequency of microwaves but lower than that of visible light.
  • Penetration: Infrared waves can penetrate through some materials, such as plastic, but they are absorbed by most materials, including metals, water, and glass.
  • Heat generation: Infrared waves are absorbed by many materials, which can generate heat. This is used in applications such as cooking, heating, and thermography.
  • Reflection: Infrared waves can be reflected by some surfaces, such as metals, which can be used in applications such as reflector heaters.
  • Spectroscopy: Infrared waves can be used in spectroscopy to study the properties of materials, such as their chemical composition and molecular structure.
  • Detection: Infrared waves can be used to detect objects, such as in infrared cameras used for surveillance and in motion detectors.
  • Thermal imaging: Infrared waves can be used to create thermal images, which show the heat distribution of objects. This is used in applications such as building inspection, electrical troubleshooting, and medical imaging.

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By Team Learning Mantras