infrared

Infrared waves are electromagnetic washes with a longer wavelength than red light. Infrared waves can be used for communications, they are used in:

• remote controls

• Fibre optic communications over long distances

Infrared heating

All hot objects emit infrared radiation, infrared can be used to transfer heat energy from one place to another. Electric heaters, grills and toasters all use infrared to transfer heat.

Infrared cameras

Human beings and animals emit a lot of infrared radiation. Infrared red camera are specially adapted to detect infrared waves. They are used in:

• night vision systems

• Scanners to look for hot spots caused by illness

• Scanners to look for heat loss from buildings

Dangers

Infrared radiation transmits heat, over exposure to infrared can lead to burns.