IR Rays Full Form

What is the full form of IR ?

IR stands for Infrared Radiation. It is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum that goes from the long-wavelength end of the visible light spectrum, often known as the "red end, to the microwave region. We experience heat from it which is a sort of radiant energy that is invisible to the human eye. All things in the universe produce some IR, but the sun and fire are the two most prominent producers.

This Story also Contains

1. What is the full form of IR ?
2. IR: infrared radiation
3. Properties of IR
4. Uses of IR
5. History of IR

IR: infrared radiation

A spectrum of frequencies created when atoms absorb and release energy is known as infrared radiation. Gamma rays, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, visible lights, infrared radiation, and micro and radio waves are all types of electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic spectrum is made up of all these different kinds of radiation.

IR is divided into three regions: near-infrared, which is closest to the visible spectrum, has wavelengths between 0.78 and 2.5 microns; middle infrared has wavelengths between 2.5 and 50 microns, and far infrared has wavelengths between 50 and 1000 microns. A moderately heated surface emits a large majority of infrared light, which creates a continuous spectrum. Although in a distinct spectrum of lines or brands, molecular excitation also generates a significant amount of infrared light.

Properties of IR

• Transverse Waves: IR is also known as a transverse wave. A transverse Wave means a wave whose displacement is at the right angle to the direction of the wave propagation.

• Wavelength: IR wavelengths are measured in microns, i.e., one-millionth of a meter. The Shortest IR wave is about 0.7 microns whereas the longest is about 350 microns.

• Speed: Infrared waves travel at about 299,792,458 m per sec.

• Particle or Wave: IR waves can be wave and particle at the very same time.

• Absorption and Reflection: It depends on the nature of the particle that the wave strikes, like ozone and carbon dioxide absorb whereas snow and aluminium reflect.

• Refraction and Interference: IR waves refract when it passes from one medium to another. When two infrared waves with the same wavelength meet each other, they interfere.

• Thermal Properties: IR can be considered a source of heat because of the presence of thermal properties. So, IR can be used as a heat source

Uses of IR

• Communication: Free space optical communications use IR because they are affordable and are used in locations with high densities as well.

• Spectroscopy: By examining the bonds of molecules as they vibrate at various frequencies, infrared vibrational spectroscopy is used to identify compounds.

• Astronomy: Optical components such as mirrors, lenses and digital detectors are utilised to examine objects in space. When these things are subjected to heat radiation, they shine.

History of IR

As per NASA, in 1880, a famous British astronomer named William Herschel discovered infrared lights. He set up the thermometers in the path of light inside each colour of the visible spectrum as part of an experiment to estimate the temperature differences between the colours. From blue to red, he saw a temperature rise. From red to blue, he discovered an even higher temperature. Finally, just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum, he discovered an even warmer temperature.

Infrared waves have frequencies just below those of visible light and above those of microwaves in the electromagnetic spectrum, so-named infrared. According to the California Institute of Technology, infrared radiation has longer waves than visible light. According to NASA, IR wavelengths are thought to be between 1000 microns and 760 nanometers, and IR frequency ranges from around 300 gigahertz (GHz) up to about 400 terahertz (THz), however, these figures are not conclusive.