Temperature & Electromagnetic Radiation: Feynman's Perspective

In summary, temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance, often measured in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit. As temperature increases, particles move faster and emit more electromagnetic radiation, known as thermal radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy emitted or absorbed by charged particles, and it includes a wide range of wavelengths. Richard Feynman's "Feynman diagram" theory contributed greatly to our understanding of how particles interact and how this relates to electromagnetic radiation. Understanding temperature and electromagnetic radiation is important in various fields, as they play crucial roles in natural phenomena and are essential in areas such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.
  • #1
jaydnul
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Since temperature is no more than vibrating atoms (in Feynman's words), wouldn't that induce a changing electric field, just very slow in some cases? If so, is everything that is not 0 degrees kelvin radiating some kind of EM radiation? Like an ice cube, does it radiate small amounts of radio waves? I this why the human body radiates infrared?
 
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  • #2

1. What is temperature?

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It is often measured in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).

2. How does temperature affect electromagnetic radiation?

As temperature increases, the particles in a substance move faster and collide more frequently, resulting in an increase in the emission of electromagnetic radiation. This is known as thermal radiation.

3. What is electromagnetic radiation?

Electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy that is emitted or absorbed by charged particles, such as electrons. It includes a wide range of wavelengths, from radio waves to gamma rays.

4. How did Feynman contribute to our understanding of temperature and electromagnetic radiation?

Richard Feynman was a renowned physicist who made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics. He developed a theory called the "Feynman diagram" which helped explain how particles interact with each other and how this relates to the emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation.

5. Why is understanding temperature and electromagnetic radiation important?

Temperature and electromagnetic radiation play crucial roles in many natural phenomena, such as weather patterns, energy transfer, and the behavior of matter. Understanding these concepts is essential in fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering.

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