Why wave with lower frequency produce heat?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between wave frequency and heat production, specifically questioning why lower frequency waves are associated with heat. Participants explore various aspects of this topic, including the behavior of different types of radiation and their detection methods.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the assertion that lower frequency waves produce heat, referencing microwave ovens and infrared radiation as examples of higher frequency waves that also generate heat.
  • Another participant expresses confusion regarding the detection of radiation by different materials, noting that a blackened thermometer can detect radiation just outside the red end of the visible spectrum but not in the same way as fluorescent materials detect radiation near the violet end.
  • A later reply clarifies that a blackened thermometer can absorb all incoming radiation, regardless of wavelength, and emits radiation characteristic of its temperature, but does not distinguish between infrared or ultraviolet radiation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relationship between wave frequency and heat production, with multiple competing views presented regarding the behavior of different types of radiation and their detection.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the mechanisms of heat production from various frequencies and the specific conditions under which different materials detect radiation.

Clara Chung
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why wave with lower frequency produce heat? please explain to me
 
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Clara Chung said:
why wave with lower frequency produce heat? please explain to me

that's not necessarily true, consider a microwave oven or even higher frequency, infrared radiation
so please elaborate on what specifically you are referring to ?

Dave
 
davenn said:
that's not necessarily true, consider a microwave oven or even higher frequency, infrared radiation
so please elaborate on what specifically you are referring to ?

Dave
In my book, it says we can use a blackened thermometer to detect the radiation just outside the red end of the visible spectrum. I don't understand why only fluorescent materials can detect radiation just outside the violet end of the visible spectrum but not blackened thermometer just like the waves with lower frequency. i.e. why won't the energy in higher frequency waves releases as heat
 
Clara Chung said:
In my book, it says we can use a blackened thermometer to detect the radiation just outside the red end of the visible spectrum. I don't understand why only fluorescent materials can detect radiation just outside the violet end of the visible spectrum but not blackened thermometer just like the waves with lower frequency. i.e. why won't the energy in higher frequency waves releases as heat
You can use a blackened thermometer to detect ultraviolet radiation too. A blackbody absorbs all incoming radiation, regardless of wavelength and then emits blackbody radiation characteristic of its temperature.

A blackened thermometer won't distinguish between infrared or ultraviolet.
 
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