Everyday Science · 45 sec
Thermal radiation
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- The useful idea
Thermal radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted by the thermal motion of particles in matter.
- How it works
All matter with a temperature greater than absolute zero emits thermal radiation.
- Why it matters
The emission of energy arises from a combination of electronic, molecular, and lattice oscillations in a material.
Why this matters
Look for Thermal radiation the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Thermal radiation the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Thermal radiation?
- Why it matters
- How it works
- The useful idea — correct
Thermal radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted by the thermal motion of particles in matter.