Radiant energy

Radiant Energy

Radiant energy is the energy of electromagnetic waves. The quantity of radiant energy may be calculated by integrating radiant flux (power) with respect to time and, like all forms of energy, its SI unit is the joule. Heat energy is often transferred in the form of infrared radiation, which is given off from an object as a result of molecular collisions within it. Molecules typically have a characteristic emission spectrum, and infrared thermography is useful for identifying substances and detecting heat leaks.

Overview

Radiant energy is one of several types of energy, including kinetic energy and potential energy. Radiant energy can occur in the form of both waves and particles. The concept of radiant energy is most commonly used in the fields of radiometry, solar energy, heating and lighting, but is also used in other fields (such as telecommunications).

History

The concept of radiant energy was first conceived by James Clerk Maxwell in the 19th century. Maxwell developed a set of equations, now known as Maxwell's equations, which describe how electric and magnetic fields interact. These equations predict the existence of waves of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that travel through empty space at the speed of light; these waves are now known as electromagnetic waves.

Applications

Radiant energy is used in a wide variety of applications. These include:

• Solar energy: Radiant energy from the sun is harnessed and converted into usable power.
• Radiometry: This is the science of measuring the radiant energy of light.
• Heating and lighting: Radiant energy is used in both heating and lighting applications.
• Telecommunications: Radiant energy in the form of radio waves is used in wireless communication technologies.

See also

• Energy
• Electromagnetic radiation
• Infrared radiation
• Solar energy
• Radiometry
• Heating and lighting
• Telecommunications

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