Heat transfer by infrared radiation (the very basics)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the fundamentals of heat transfer, specifically focusing on infrared radiation, conduction, and convection. Participants explore the relationships between these forms of heat transfer, their origins, and their interactions in various contexts, including everyday scenarios and theoretical considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that infrared radiation is the fundamental source of heat energy, suggesting that it precedes conduction and convection.
  • Others argue that conduction, convection, and radiation are equally fundamental and interdependent, with no single form being more basic than the others.
  • There is a question regarding whether heat transfer by infrared radiation is possible in a true vacuum, with some asserting that it is, while others express uncertainty about the implications of virtual particles.
  • A participant raises a practical question about the effectiveness of using reflective materials, such as aluminum foil, for reflecting sunlight and retaining body heat.
  • Participants discuss the emission of infrared radiation by air molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles, with varying responses about the conditions under which these emissions occur.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on whether infrared radiation is the fundamental source of heat energy, as some participants support this view while others contest it. The discussion includes multiple competing perspectives on the nature of heat transfer and the role of different mechanisms.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions of vacuum and the implications of quantum physics on heat transfer. There are also unresolved questions about the specific conditions under which various forms of radiation occur.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring the fundamentals of thermodynamics, heat transfer mechanisms, and practical applications of infrared radiation in everyday scenarios.

  • #31
davenn, you said,

“The big bang didn't have a point origin, as in an explosion and expanding out - there's been many threads on PF on the currently understood understanding of this .. try some searching - Drakkith and phinds are 2 common contributors.”

Thanks. I’m currently studying this, and will check out Drakkith and phinds’ contributions.

“You don't need to go any further back than the solar nebula to find the source of the internal heat in any of the planets.”

With respect, I disagree. If I’ve understood you correctly the solar nebula only goes back to around 4.6 billion years ago so, even if we accept that the Big Bang is complex and often misunderstood, the solar nebula itself had a source of heat, and that in turn had a source, all the way back to the conditions of the Big Bang (whatever they might be); so the ultimate source of the internal heat in any of the planets is not the solar nebula.
 
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  • #32
Cliff Hanley said:
With respect, I disagree. If I’ve understood you correctly the solar nebula only goes back to around 4.6 billion years ago so, even if we accept that the Big Bang is complex and often misunderstood, the solar nebula itself had a source of heat, and that in turn had a source, all the way back to the conditions of the Big Bang (whatever they might be); so the ultimate source of the internal heat in any of the planets is not the solar nebula.

That is incorrect

As I said, for the internal heat of the planets and the starting nuclear reactions in the core of the sun... the solar nebula is the direct source
The gas and dust etc that made up the solar nebula was quite cool before it condensed and heated up under the influence of gravity

You are trying to make it more complex than it is or it needs to beDave
 
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