Infrared Waves & Radiating Heat: Investigating the Connection

[Jules18]

I'm reading about emission spectrums, and my text says that when an iron bar is heated until it's hot and glowing, the "warmth of the glowing bar represents the infrared portion of its emission spectrum".

Is it true that radiating heat is associated only with infrared EM waves?


~Jules~

 

[Andy Resnick]

Dividing the electromagnetic spectrum up the way it is (x-ray, UV, visible, IR, radio, etc. etc.) is completely arbitrary (excepting the visible portion). The peak wavelength of thermal radiation from bodies is generally in the infrared portion of the spectrum, until temperatures get to several thousand degrees.

 

[pixel01]

There have been a similar thread recently. The frequency of the IR is related to the thermal movement. At higher frequency, for example in nm range, the oscillation is close to movement of electrons.

 

[Jules18]

thanks Andy

pixel I'm not sure what you mean, but thanks anyways. ?