Infrared radiation

Definition

Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves, typically ranging from about 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. It plays a significant role in the greenhouse effect, as it is emitted by the Earth's surface after absorbing solar energy, and is subsequently trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Infrared radiation is responsible for the warmth we feel from sunlight, as it is absorbed by our skin and other materials.
2. The greenhouse effect occurs when infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface is absorbed by greenhouse gases, preventing it from escaping back into space.
3. Without infrared radiation and the greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be significantly lower, making it uninhabitable for most life forms.
4. Certain materials are better at absorbing infrared radiation than others; for example, water vapor is a more potent greenhouse gas compared to carbon dioxide.
5. Increased levels of infrared radiation trapped by greenhouse gases are a key factor driving climate change and global warming.

Review Questions

• How does infrared radiation contribute to the greenhouse effect?
  • Infrared radiation contributes to the greenhouse effect by being emitted from the Earth's surface after absorbing solar energy. When solar energy reaches Earth, it warms the land and oceans. The surface then emits this energy back as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some of this infrared radiation, preventing it from escaping into space and effectively warming the planet.
• Discuss the relationship between infrared radiation and climate change, particularly regarding human activities.
  • The relationship between infrared radiation and climate change is closely linked to human activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions. Activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation elevate concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As these gases trap more infrared radiation, they enhance the greenhouse effect, leading to a rise in global temperatures and contributing to climate change. This connection highlights how our actions can impact Earth's energy balance.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of increased infrared radiation retention in Earth's atmosphere due to rising greenhouse gas levels.
  • The potential consequences of increased infrared radiation retention include more extreme weather events, rising sea levels due to melting ice caps, and shifts in ecosystems and biodiversity. As more infrared radiation is trapped by elevated greenhouse gas levels, it can lead to an overall increase in global temperatures. This warming can disrupt weather patterns, intensify storms, and alter habitats, ultimately affecting food security and human health on a global scale.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, that can absorb and emit infrared radiation, thereby trapping heat and warming the planet.

Solar Radiation: The energy emitted by the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves, including visible light and infrared radiation, which is essential for maintaining life on Earth.

Climate Change:

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns on Earth, largely driven by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases and the associated rise in infrared radiation trapping.