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Drizzy
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Homework Statement
"Infrared light doesn't travel through air easily". Why is that? Is it because there are lots of molecules that absorb the energy so that a reaction occurs?
Drizzy said:"Infrared light doesn't travel through air easily". Why is that? Is it because there are lots of molecules that absorb the energy so that a reaction occurs?
Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation, which means it travels in waves. Air is made up of molecules that are constantly moving and colliding with each other. These collisions can cause the infrared waves to scatter and be absorbed, making it difficult for the light to travel through air.
The composition of air plays a significant role in the transmission of infrared light. Air is primarily made up of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases. These molecules have specific properties that can interact with infrared light, causing it to be absorbed or scattered as it travels through the air.
Certain gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, have a higher concentration of molecules that can absorb and scatter infrared light. This makes it more difficult for the light to travel through these gases compared to others, such as nitrogen and oxygen, which have a lower concentration of these molecules.
The longer the distance that the infrared light travels through air, the more likely it is to be absorbed or scattered. This is because the light has a higher chance of encountering molecules that can interact with it. This is why infrared light cannot travel easily through long distances of air.
There are some techniques that can be used to improve the transmission of infrared light through air, such as using filters to remove certain gases that are known to absorb infrared light. However, since air is always in motion, it is difficult to completely eliminate absorption and scattering. This is why infrared light is often used in short-range applications or in controlled environments where the composition of air can be adjusted.