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Infrared Radiation


Earth Explorer
02-01-1995
Infrared: Warm and Welcome

When you sit in front of an electric heater, you see the glowing red light radiated by its element. The heat you feel, though, is a form of radiation called infrared (IR).
Infrared radiation is effective at heating molecules. When infrared rays interact with the molecules of various atmospheric gases, of ocean water, or of a land mass, the rays' energy causes the molecules to vibrate faster. That extra vibration of molecules means that the substance is warmer than it was before. The same absorption of energy happens to the molecules in our bodies. Thus, even though you can't see infrared radiation, you can feel it--as warmth.

Putting ...

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