Infrared Radiations (IR) are a special kind of radiation which is characterized by longer wavelengths. As other radiations, these are invisible to the human eye and the wavelength ranges from about 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm). IR carries the electromagnetic and gravitational radiations known as radiant energy and can behave like a photon particle or like a wave. Sir William Herschel in 1800 discovered this invisible Infrared radiation.
Depending upon the wavelength, the Infrared radiation is classified into three types:
- Near-infrared
- Mid-infrared
- Far-infrared
Near-infrared radiation has a wavelength in the range of 0.78 to about 2.5 micrometers.
Mid-infrared radiation has a wavelength in the range of 2.5 to about 50 micrometers.
Far-infrared radiation has a wavelength in the range of 50 to 1,000 micrometers.
Infrared radiations have a wide range of applications. The Near-infrared rays are used in electronic applications like photography and TV remote sensors. Infrared radiation can be used in places where visible light are used since their wavelengths are in close range.
Infrared radiations are used to treat health elements like kidney function, herniated disc, reduce stress, treat arthritis, fatigue, and cold. It is also used to control the inflammation of the nose, throat, and ear.
Even the human body emit Infrared radiations at approximately 37-degree Celsius. Sun also is a source of Infrared radiation. To know the wavelength of IR emitted, Infrared spectroscopy is used. This information generated from the spectroscope is used to study and identify substances as well as monitor chemical reactions
To measures IR emissions from various materials at specific wavelengths, IR spectroscopy is used. Infrared spectroscopy is also known as vibrational spectroscopy. An infrared spectrometer is a device used to produce an infrared spectrum and is used in Infrared spectroscopy.
Let us know about another fundamental concept of studying the system in chemical equilibrium.
It is known as equilibrium Law and is commonly known as Le Chatelier’s Principle. This principle is named after the great chemist Henry Louis Le Chatelier. le Chatelier’s Principle is used to know the effect of some changes on a system in chemical equilibrium like the change in pressure or temperature.
It was demonstrated that a system at chemical equilibrium acts like an object at rest or in uniform motion. Inertia is the property of a body to oppose any change that acts upon it. If a system is at rest, it will tend to stay at rest continuously unless an external force is applied upon it and hence it will try to oppose the effects of the external force.
Le Chatelier’s Principle states “A system in chemical equilibrium changes towards a new equilibrium when subjected to a change in temperature, pressure, concentration or volume. The partly shift in the equilibrium prevents the change that was applied to the system initially”.
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