Light

Infrared Radiation

Definition

Infrared radiation refers to a type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. It is not visible to the human eye, but can be detected as heat.

Analogy

Imagine infrared radiation as warm hugs from your favorite blanket on a cold winter day. Just like you can feel the warmth from the blanket without seeing it, infrared radiation warms objects even though we can't see it with our eyes.

Related terms

Electromagnetic Radiation: Electromagnetic radiation includes various types of energy waves that travel through space, such as visible light, ultraviolet rays, and microwaves.

Wavelength: Wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave. Infrared radiation has longer wavelengths compared to visible light.

Heat Transfer: Heat transfer is the movement of thermal energy from one object or system to another due to a difference in temperature. Infrared radiation is involved in heat transfer processes.