LESSON # 2.
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C. INFRARED
Between the microwaves and the visible light in the spectrum is the infrared (IR) wave which was
discovered by Sir William Herschel (1738–1822). Since IR waves lie adjacent to the low frequency portion of the
visible spectrum, they are not visible to the eye, but we can feel them.
These waves are used in electronic devices such as TV remote controls, cameras, and video recorders. IR
waves have several uses. Infrared technology is used in mobile phones, laptops, game controllers, burglar
alarm systems, thermal imaging, missile tracking, and night vision.
Infrared radiation lies beyond the red end of the visible light. It is emitted by all objects. The amount and
wavelength of radiation depend on temperature. Below 5000 Celsius, an object emits only infrared radiation.
Above 5000 Celsius, an object glows and emits both infrared and some visible light.
Our bodies radiate infrared and under infrared camera or a night vision goggle, our images appear in variety of
colors. The differences in color determine the differences in temperature. For example, shades of blue and green
indicate regions of colder temperature; and red and yellow indicate warmer temperature.
In Figure 9, the dog is covered with thick coat of fur that prevents the heat generated by the dog’s body from
escaping. Notice that the dog’s nose is cold while the eyes and mouth areas are warm.
The following are some useful applications of IR radiation:
1. Infrared photographs taken from a satellite with special films provide useful details of the vegetation on
the Earth’s surface.
2. Infrared scanners are used to show the temperature variation of the body. This can be used for medical
diagnosis.
3. Infrared remote controls are used in TVs, video, cassette recorders, and other electronic appliances.
4. Some night-vision goggles use IR.
5. Some autofocus cameras have transmitters that send out infrared pulses. The pulses are reflected by
the object to be photographed back to the camera. The distance of the object is calculated by the time
lag between the sending and receiving of pulses. The lens is then driven by a built-in motor to adjust to
get the correct focus of the object.
D. VISIBLE LIGHT
They have shorter wavelengths than infrared waves. It can be seen as colors. Half of the Sun’s rays
are visible light. This is the only type of EM wave to be detected by the human eye. Violet is the highest
frequency light and red light is the lowest frequency light.
Our eyes are sensitive to electromagnetic waves of wavelengths that range from 4x10-7 m to 7x10-7 m.
This is the range of wavelengths of white light. Thus, the spectrum of white light is therefore called the visible
spectrum.
E. ULTRAVIOLET RAY
Ultraviolet (UV) light or ultraviolet rays, discovered by Johann Wilhelm Ritter (1776-1810), have
wavelengths ranging from 10-8 to 10-7 m. This type of wave lies immediately after the violet light in the visible
spectrum.
UV radiation is divided into three wavelength ranges UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. These are the
classifications most often used in Earth sciences. UV-C rays are the most harmful and are almost completely
absorbed by our atmosphere. UV-B rays are the harmful rays that cause sunburn.
The sun is our main source of ultraviolet radiation but there are also artificial sources of UV light.
Ultraviolet radiation in UV lamps is used by banks to check the signature on a passbook. The signature is marked
on the passbook with fluorescent ink. It becomes visible when viewed under an ultraviolet lamp. These lamps are
also used to identify fake banknotes.
Ultraviolet radiation is also used in sterilizing water from drinking fountains. Some washing powder
also contains fluorescent chemicals which glow in sunlight. This makes your shirt look whiter than white in
daylight. It is also used in food manufacturing and processing, sterilizing hospital equipment and water
treatment facilities, and packaging dairy products.
Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight produces vitamin D in the skin and gives us tanning effect. But since
UV rays have high energy, it could be harmful to some extent. It could burn the skin and hurt our eyes.
Overexposure to UV radiation may cause skin cancer. Suntan or sunscreen lotions serve as filters to protect
the body from ultraviolet radiation.
