[Intro]
Is it over my head
(Infrared)
Longer than visible
(How’s that possible)
[Verse 1]
Above absolute zero
(You shine, you shine)
Night vision hero
(You shine, you shine)
[Bridge]
Is it over my head
(Infrared)
Longer than visible
(How’s that possible)
[Chorus]
Sun and fire
(Glowing higher)
Living being
(Without seeing)
[Verse 2]
Remote control
(You shine, you shine)
Signal your role
(You shine, you shine)
[Bridge]
Is it over my head
(Infrared)
Longer than visible
(How’s that possible)
[Chorus]
Sun and fire
(Glowing higher)
Living being
(Without seeing)
[Bridge]
Is it over my head
(Infrared)
Longer than visible
(How’s that possible)
[Outro]
I’ve heard it said
(Infrared)
A SCIENCE NOTE
Infrared (IR) is a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. It falls within the electromagnetic spectrum just beyond the red end of visible light, typically in the range of 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm) in wavelength, corresponding to frequencies from about 300 gigahertz (GHz) to 430 terahertz (THz).
Key Characteristics of Infrared:
- Wavelength Range:
- Near-infrared (NIR): 700 nm – 1.4 µm (closest to visible light)
- Mid-infrared (MIR): 1.4 µm – 3 µm
- Far-infrared (FIR): 3 µm – 1 mm (closer to microwave range)
- Sources:
- Infrared radiation is emitted by all objects that have a temperature above absolute zero, with warmer objects emitting more IR energy.
- Common sources include the Sun, fire, heated objects, and living beings.
- Applications:
- Thermal imaging: Infrared cameras detect heat emitted by objects, commonly used in night vision and medical imaging.
- Remote controls: Many household devices like TVs use infrared signals for communication.
- Astronomy: IR telescopes detect celestial objects obscured by dust and gas clouds.
- Communications: Fiber optics use infrared light to transmit data over long distances.
- Interaction with Matter:
- Infrared radiation is absorbed and emitted efficiently by water and carbon dioxide, making it significant in greenhouse gas effects and climate change.
- Perception:
- Humans cannot see infrared light, but we can feel it as heat.
Infrared plays a crucial role in daily life, science, and industry, helping us understand heat transfer, environmental monitoring, and technology applications.