Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 26 - Reading Check Questions (Comprehension) - Page 500: 22

Answer

The low frequencies of infrared waves cause not just electrons, but whole atoms and molecules to vibrate. This raises the internal energy of the material, thus earning infrared light its nickname of "heat waves".

Work Step by Step

This is discussed on pages 491-492.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.