Thermal radiation is the emission of electromagnetic waves from all matter that has a temperature greater than absolute zero, resulting from the thermal motion of charged particles within atoms. This radiation is characterized by a spectrum that depends on the temperature of the emitting body, with hotter objects emitting more radiation at shorter wavelengths.

Thermal Radiation

Thermal radiation

Electromagnetic waves are oscillations of electric and magnetic fields that travel through space at the speed of light, encompassing a broad spectrum from radio waves to gamma rays. They do not require a medium to propagate and are fundamental to many technologies, including communication, imaging, and energy transfer.

electromagnetic waves

Matter with temperature greater than absolute zero

thermal motion of charged particles

atoms

Spectrum of thermal radiation

temperature of the emitting body

Hotter objects emitting radiation

shorter wavelengths

Mechanisms of Energy Consumption in Lighting Technologies

Fundamentals of Photonic Emission

Your Courses

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons