Question
Physics Question on thermal properties of matter
We consider the radiation emitted by the human body. Which of the following statements is true:
The radiation emitted is in the infrared region
The radiation is emitted only during the day
The radiation is emitted during the summers and absorbed during the winters
The radiation emitted lies in the ultraviolet region and hence is not visible
The radiation emitted is in the infrared region
Solution
Option (A) is correct. Human body radiation primarily falls within the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is why thermal imaging devices can detect and visualize this radiation. The radiation is related to the warmth of the human body.
Options (B), (C), and (D) are incorrect:
(B) The radiation is not emitted only during the day. The human body continuously emits infrared radiation as long as it has a temperature above absolute zero. It is not dependent on whether it's day or night.
(C) The radiation emitted by the human body is not dependent on the seasons (summers or winters). It occurs all year round and depends on the individual's body temperature.
(D) The radiation is not in the ultraviolet region; it's in the infrared region. Ultraviolet radiation has shorter wavelengths and is not associated with the human body's thermal radiation.
So, the correct option is (A): The radiation emitted is in the infrared region.