Understanding the Effects of Wavelength and Frequency on IR and UV Heat Transfer

In summary, IR and UV radiation have different frequencies and energies. IR does not necessarily heat up materials more than UV, but it may be absorbed differently by certain materials. UV has higher frequencies and more energy, while IR has lower frequencies and less energy. When photons with higher frequencies hit electrons, they transfer less energy compared to lower frequency photons. Photons will continue to travel forever if they do not hit anything. There may be an effect on the frequency of photons when they come into contact with matter, potentially seen in refraction. The frequency of photons does not change, but the wavelength and velocity may change.
  • #1
JPC
206
1
hey how come the IR heat up materials more than UV ?
and why people say IR go longer distances

the way i see it :

UV have faster frequencies, they should have more energy
while IR have slower frequencies, should have less energy

or is it that when hitting a electron , photons that vibrate faster transfer less energy to the electron ?

---

and as for the distance , i thought photons would carry on forever
so is it that high frenquence photons loose their energy faster ?

---
and do photons see their frequencies slower as they get in contact with matter ?
 
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  • #2
JPC said:
hey how come the IR heat up materials more than UV ?
It doesn't, unless there is a difference in how certain materials aborb different wavelengths.
and why people say IR go longer distances
It doesn't.
the way i see it :

UV have faster frequencies, they should have more energy
while IR have slower frequencies, should have less energy
Not faster or slower, higher and lower, but yes.
or is it that when hitting a electron , photons that vibrate faster transfer less energy to the electron ?
Essentially yes.
and as for the distance , i thought photons would carry on forever
so is it that high frenquence photons loose their energy faster ?
They will carry on forever if they don't hit anything.
and do photons see their frequencies slower as they get in contact with matter ?
That one I'm not sure about - there may be an effect like that in refraction.
 
  • #3
russ_watters said:
That one I'm not sure about - there may be an effect like that in refraction.

i don't think the frequency changes, the wavelength and the velocity do though
 

1. What is the relationship between wavelength and heat transfer in IR and UV radiation?

The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy and therefore the higher the heat transfer in both IR and UV radiation. This means that shorter wavelengths, such as UV, have a greater potential to transfer heat compared to longer wavelengths, such as IR.

2. How do wavelength and frequency affect the absorption and emission of heat in IR and UV radiation?

In both IR and UV radiation, shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies are more readily absorbed and emitted by molecules, resulting in a higher rate of heat transfer. This is because shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies have more energy and can more easily interact with molecules to transfer heat.

3. How does the atmosphere affect the transmission of IR and UV radiation and its heat transfer?

The Earth's atmosphere absorbs and scatters a significant amount of IR and UV radiation, which can affect the amount of heat transfer from these wavelengths. Different gases in the atmosphere have varying degrees of absorption for different wavelengths, which can impact the overall heat transfer of IR and UV radiation in the atmosphere.

4. Can the effects of wavelength and frequency on heat transfer be manipulated for practical uses?

Yes, the understanding of how different wavelengths and frequencies affect heat transfer in IR and UV radiation can be used for practical purposes. For example, certain materials and coatings can be designed to absorb or reflect specific wavelengths to control the amount of heat transfer in a given space or environment.

5. How does the interaction between matter and IR and UV radiation affect heat transfer?

When IR and UV radiation interact with matter, the energy from these wavelengths is either absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. The amount of absorption depends on the composition and properties of the matter, which can impact the overall heat transfer in a system. For example, dark-colored materials tend to absorb more IR and UV radiation, resulting in higher heat transfer compared to lighter-colored materials.

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