What wavelength does infrared radiation depend on?

Infrared radiation is primarily dependent on the source of heat because it is the heat emitted by objects that determines the characteristics of the infrared radiation they produce. Different materials and temperatures emit infrared radiation at varying wavelengths, known as blackbody radiation. Hotter objects emit infrared radiation at shorter wavelengths, while cooler objects emit it at longer wavelengths. This principle is based on Planck’s law, which states that the spectrum of radiation emitted by a body is dependent on its temperature.

While the type of material can influence how much infrared radiation is absorbed or emitted, the initial wavelength generation fundamentally ties back to the heat of the source. Distance and humidity can affect how infrared radiation is perceived or transmitted but do not directly determine the wavelength produced by a specific heat source. Hence, understanding the relationship between temperature and the generation of infrared radiation is crucial for comprehending this concept.