Why Infrared Light Can't Travel Easily Through Air

[Drizzy]

Homework Statement

"Infrared light doesn't travel through air easily". Why is that? Is it because there are lots of molecules that absorb the energy so that a reaction occurs?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[Drakkith]

"Infrared light doesn't travel through air easily". Why is that? Is it because there are lots of molecules that absorb the energy so that a reaction occurs?

You're right that there are lots of molecules that absorb the IR light, but the energy simply heats up the air, not cause a chemical reaction.

 

[Drizzy]

Oh thanks for the explanation :)