Energy

Radiant energy

Definition:

Radiant energy is the energy possessed by electromagnetic waves such as visible light, radio waves, ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR) rays, etc. The main characteristic of this energy is that it propagates in a vacuum without the need for any material support. It is transmitted by units called photons. Light (a form of radiant energy).

We know that energy is the ability to produce work, to cause chemical and physical changes through which energy can manifest itself in different ways. One of these forms is radiant energy, also known as electromagnetic radiation, energy transmitted without the movement of mass. In practical terms, this is the energy found in electromagnetic waves, also known as light. Light is made up of individual particles called photons, each of which carries a small “beam” of energy.

Radiant energy characteristics

The main characteristics of radiant energy are the following:

  1. It is also known as electromagnetic energy.
  2. It is transmitted by means of elementary particles known as photons.
  3. Produces an interaction with matter to transfer a fixed amount of energy.
  4. It is a particle that is present in electromagnetic waves, gamma rays, ultraviolet rays (UV), infrared rays (IR), radio waves, visible light (electromagnetic spectrum), even in the light and heat of the sun.
  5. It is always in motion and travels at a speed of 300 thousand kilometers per second in space.
  6. It forms a large number of waves of different lengths and frequencies.
  7. It is a type of reflected energy, because it cannot penetrate matter, but rather jump.
  8. It can be transmitted because it can travel through it.
  9. It is a type of energy that can be absorbed.

What is radiant energy for?

In addition to being part of important processes such as photosynthesis, radiant energy can be used in the use of different electrical appliances, in the area of ​​medicine, radiography, radiotherapy and different forms of instruments related to nuclear medicine.

Radiant energy story

The idea of ​​obtaining energy from the sun has had its history for thousands of years, and studies date back to ancient Greece. In 1861, the first active solar motor was invented, but it cannot be made commercially. Charles Fritts later invented solar cells used in solar panels, heaters, satellites, and other devices. Albert Einstein also did experiments with solar energy.

Types of radiant energy

The best known types of radiant energy are ultraviolet rays or X-rays. Since energy can be transformed into another type of energy, there are different forms of radiant energy related to nature. All of them are wave movements consisting of electric and magnetic fields.

Where do you get radiant energy from?

Radiant energy can be acquired from different types of natural sources, among which we can mention the sun and the stars. It can also be obtained from radio waves, ultraviolet rays and infrared radiation that corresponds to the thermal energy released by bodies. It can also be obtained from gamma rays and X-rays.

Radiant energy is generated or obtained from electromagnetic waves, such as visible light, radio waves, and rays. It is a type of energy that can be obtained without the need for a support material. It is also obtained by means of solar electromagnetic pulses.

How does radiant energy work?

Radiant energy has the ability to move in a vacuum without occupying any type of material, which is characteristic of electromagnetic waves. Radiant energy transmission units are photons that behave similarly to particles. Intensity is related to the number of photons that remain on a surface, while color is related to the frequency and wavelength of the incident light.

Advantages of radiant energy

Among the main advantages of radiant energy that we can mention, we have:

  1. It is a type of non-polluting energy and perhaps one of its main advantages and characteristics.
  2. It is considered an inexhaustible source of energy, because it is a type of energy that has no end.
  3. It is an energy use system considered ideal for all areas where the power line cannot reach or its transfer is very expensive and difficult.
  4. The solar capture or radiation systems that it uses are easy to maintain, a circumstance that facilitates the choice.
  5. As technology advances day by day, the cost of radiant energy is reduced considerably, thus helping to maintain an adequate economy.

Disadvantages

Among its main disadvantages, we can mention the following:

  1. The level of radiation that this type of energy fluctuates from one area to another and from one station to another.
  2. When it becomes the type of energy chosen by the population, it needs large tracts of land, which makes it difficult to choose.
  3. You need a strong financial investment and not all consumers are financially prepared for this expense.
  4. The places where the greatest amount of radiation is found are desert in nature and far from people, so this energy cannot be used for agricultural or industrial development.

Meaning

Radiant energy is a very important type of energy for life. Practically the daylight is due to it, and through it plants and animals can survive. It is also responsible for regulating various physiological processes and regulates the change that occurs between

It is also used in many aspects of daily life, from simple lamp illumination to important medical instruments that use radiant energy to function.

Radiant energy use by country

Spain:

In Spain there are several companies dedicated to the installation and use of solar energy. The activity is carried out mainly in the Mediterranean provinces, where the largest number of clients are located.

Mexico:

In this country, the objective was set to fight against climate change and produce more clean energy through radiant energy. The main goal is to remove carbon dioxide.

Argentina:

In Argentina, radiant energy is used mainly to heat fluids for industrial use, to heat water and heating, dry agricultural products, photovoltaic conversion and for desalination and water purification.

Examples of radiant energy

Electromagnetic waves that transmit radiant energy can come in all kinds of ways. The waves of light are the only ones that we can see with our eyes.

Virtually everything that has a temperature emits radiant energy. Some examples with radiant energy images are:

  1. The heat emitted by a bonfire.
  2. X-rays emit radiant energy.
  3. Microwaves use radiant energy.
  4. The heat created by the body can be radiant energy.
  5. Gamma rays.
  6. Radio waves.
  7. Visible light.
  8. Ultraviolet light.
  9. Infrared radiation.
  10. A hot brake disc that emits heat.
  11. The heat from a rack used for cooking.

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