Measuring non-ionizing radiation

In summary, everything gives off electromagnetic radiation, but also absorbs it at the same time. This is primarily due to the temperature of our surroundings. It is possible to translate energy from high energy photons (such as light) to low energy photons (such as radio waves). However, the reverse is not as effective. To see a radio wave bounce off a wall, a concentrated beam of microwaves would need to be used to heat up the object enough to make it glow visibly.
  • #1
Great Smoky
8
0
Does everything give off some sort of radiation? Example: water, oil, mud, etc. If so, how can it be measured?

Is there a way to translate a radio wave into a frequency in the visible spectrum and see it bounce off a wall?
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2
Everything does give off electromagnetic radiation BUT it is also absorbing EM at the same time. Most of the EM radiation to which we are subject, most of the time, is due to the temperature of our surroundings. A 'hot body' will cool down in colder surroundings. If it's in a vacuum, then all the energy enters and leaves a body by radiation. Once a body is at the same temperature as its surroundings, the power absorbed is the same as the power it radiates.
One answer to your second question involves realising that EM waves of different wavelengths have photons of different energies. Light has photons with high energy. Radio waves have photons of low energy. (X ray photons have higher energy still). It is often possible to 'translate' energy from high energy to low energy. For instance, a beam of light can warm up a small block of metal so it will radiate Infra red - and all frequencies down to DC. The other way doesn't work, on its own, so well.
If you were to take a concentrated beam of microwaves, you could heat up an object enough to make it glow visibly. But the object would be radiating the whole spectrum of EM, corresponding to a 'hot body'. You wouldn't just get light off it. To do that, you'd need some much smarter apparatus involving detectors and amplifiers if all you wanted was light off the wall.
 

1. What is non-ionizing radiation?

Non-ionizing radiation refers to electromagnetic radiation that does not have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms or molecules. This type of radiation includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, and UV radiation.

2. How is non-ionizing radiation measured?

Non-ionizing radiation is measured using instruments such as a radiofrequency (RF) meter or a power density meter. These devices detect and measure the strength and frequency of the radiation present in a given area.

3. What are the potential health effects of non-ionizing radiation?

The potential health effects of non-ionizing radiation depend on the type, intensity, and duration of exposure. Some studies have shown a possible link between long-term exposure to non-ionizing radiation and increased risk of certain types of cancer, while others have not found a significant association. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of non-ionizing radiation on human health.

4. How can we protect ourselves from non-ionizing radiation?

To protect ourselves from non-ionizing radiation, we can limit our exposure to sources of non-ionizing radiation, such as cell phones and wireless devices. We can also use devices that emit lower levels of radiation and keep them away from our bodies when in use. In addition, following safety guidelines and regulations set by government agencies can help reduce our exposure to non-ionizing radiation.

5. How does non-ionizing radiation differ from ionizing radiation?

The main difference between non-ionizing radiation and ionizing radiation is the amount of energy they possess. Non-ionizing radiation has lower energy levels and cannot cause direct damage to DNA, while ionizing radiation has higher energy levels that can cause changes in DNA and potentially lead to cell damage and mutations. Non-ionizing radiation is also less penetrating and can be blocked by physical barriers, while ionizing radiation can pass through barriers and cause damage to cells inside the body.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
885
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
20
Views
9K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
5
Views
678
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
23
Views
18K
Replies
14
Views
993
Replies
29
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
27
Views
1K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • Electromagnetism
Replies
2
Views
892
Replies
152
Views
4K
Back
Top