https://www.amnh.org/our-research/natural-science-collections-conservation/general-conservation/preventive-conservation/light-ultraviolet-and-infrared

Infrared radiation is that part of the spectrum that causes heat or warming up. Whenever you are close to a vessel full of hot water where you can feel the warmth from any distance, it's the infrared rays that you are feeling.

To heat up or see in the dark (detect warm bodies)

Cameras switch to infrared at night time.

Green house effect traps this radiation in the atmosphere (bad effect)

Infrared spectroscopy to see internal molecular vibrations.

INFRARED RADIATION

Technically: it is part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a wavelength of 700nm – 1 mm. It is invisible to the human sensors, the eyes, but is generally felt as heat by the body.

* It is associated with heat.

* All objects above absolute zero emit IR radiation.

Uses, benefits and Cautions:

·* Is used in cameras

·* Lights

·* BBQ’s; the method is an infrared source heats up the grate, as in a gas grill, and lights up a flame directly which then cooks the food. Something similar to microwave cooking

·* Thermometers

·* Temperature sensors, e.g. temperatures of fires, and identification whether flammable, gasoline, chemical etc.

·* Causes damage to the eyes, corneal ulcers, burns, e.g. staring at the sun.

·* Imaging in lieu of x-rays.

·I Astronomy and telescopes: e.g. the James Webb telescope; detection of distant planets orbiting other suns outside our solar system/galaxy.

·* Heaters: to relieve e.g. arthritis; and may even reduce acne scars and skin ailments.

·* IR Saunas: pain relief; using thermal pads increases the circulation, thus purifies the skin somewhat and in doing so, releases body toxins such as heavy metals by sweating them out. This also helpsin weight reduction.

* Does not contribute to cancer. Unfortunately slows down the DNA repair mechanism. The by-product is that if cancer is present from other causes is not impeded.

Infrared radiation is that part of the spectrum that causes heat or warming up

Thanks to all for very useful information.

Infrared normally used in remote control

I can be used as optical sensor in various applications

You need to take the longwave/infrared/thermal radiation into account when calculating the energy balance of buildings or solar collectors. A cold sky is good when you want to use solar cooling techniques.

The whole spectrum of EM radiation is broader than you mention all the way from radio waves to Gamma rays.

There are very many medical uses , for the various parts of the spectrum.