IR and UV
Infrared Radiation (IR) or radiant energy is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum encompassing short wavelengths than microwaves and longer wavelengths than the color red. The frequency (ν), wavelength (l) and the velocity (c), and the medium it is traversing are the important attributes of IR. IR is usually discussed in terms of frequency as the velocity and wavelength vary depending on the materials. Few molecules in the air absorb IR energy; however, the absorbed energy is not absent as the energy separates the molecules as IR in an unsystematic direction. The velocity of infrared rays is equivalent to the velocity of light as IR is a form of electromagnetic waves. The wavelength of light and other systems of electromagnetic radiation are inversely proportional to the frequency. When IR traverses through a new medium (such as glass or water from the air), the velocity and wavelength of light is reduced, although the frequency remains unchanged .
In cases of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation such as Ultraviolet light, the wavelengths are short with a substantial quantity of energy. Ultraviolet radiation traverses at frequencies above the frequency of indigo in the perceptible bright spectrum. When UV traverses in air, the frequency of the rays is at a higher level and contains sufficient energy to destroy the living cells and create major tissue loss. The ultraviolet wavelength spectrum ranges from about 10 to approximately 400 nanometers . The wavelength of the Ultraviolet rays is shorter than the noticeable light and longer than the X-rays.
The uses of Infrared are seen in the near-infrared spectrum to record pictures on in forensics analysis for criminal cases, distant detection, reinstating paintings, satellite imaging, and military surveillance. The ability of UV to inactivate bacteria and viruses is used to artificially produce UVC, and to sterilize surfaces of things such as medical equipment . IR has found its application in Infrared spectroscopy, and is being used in semiconductor microelectronics and polymerization.
Works Cited
Abramowitz, Mortimer, Thomas Fellers and Michael Davidson. The Nature of Electromagnetic Radiation. 2012. 27 June 2014 <http://www.olympusmicro.com/primer/lightandcolor/electromagintro.html>.
Science Learning Hub. Uses for UV. 29 July 2008. 26 June 2014 <http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/Contexts/You-Me-and-UV/Science-Ideas-and-Concepts/Uses-for-UV>.
