Infrared radiation

Question 1

State what infrared radiation is and that objects emit and absorb it

Answer 1

Infrared radiation is energy transfer by electromagnetic waves. All objects emit infrared radiation but the hotter an object is the more infrared radiation it emits in a given time.

Question 2

Describe how different surfaces vary in their absorption of infrared radiation.

Answer 2

Dark, Matt surfaces are good absorbers of infrared radiation. For example…
If you were to paint a metal bar a dull black colour and then leave it in the sun, when you went to touch it it would be hotter that a metal bar painted shiny white.

Question 3

What are good emitters of infrared radiation?

Answer 3

Dull, black objects are better emitters

Question 4

Describe how different surfaces vary in their reflection of infrared radiation.

Answer 4

Light shiny, surfaces or objects are good reflectors of infrared radiation

Question 5

What do gas particles look like?

Answer 5

Loosely packed
Free to move
No arrangement