Thermal Radiation as Heat Transference

Heat transference is the process by which heat moves between one substance and another. As we know from our study of the property of ‘q,’ energy is never created nor destroyed; rather it is just transferred through the release or gaining of heat between reactions between substances. radiation is one of the most common forms of heat transference that we encounter in our everyday lives. It is the process by which electromagnetic waves travel through space and when those waves come in contact with an object they emit heat. There are many different kinds of radiation and each has varying levels of harmfulness. Gamma rays for example, can be extremely detrimental to our health if one is overexposed to them, while microwaves have a much lower frequency, and therefore are much less harmful to us.

There are an infinite number of benefits to humans having harnessed the power of thermal radiation. All matter with a temperature greater than zero emits thermal radiation. Without it we wouldn’t be able to create hearths for our homes, have hot water, have light bulbs, use microwaves, having thriving nature, or cook over a stove.  Sunlight is a form of thermal radiation emitted from the sun, obviously. Sunlight is an essential agent in the process of photosynthesis which allows plants to grow and create fruits and vegetation from which we eat. Besides its domestic uses, sunlight also contributes to the sustaining of natural habitats which are essential to our ecosystem for numerous reason among which include contributing to photosynthesis to allow plants to thrive meaning with plants we can receive more oxygen and create habitats for creatures living there. Trees can also be cut down to sustain parts of our economy, to build homes, etc.

But for every benefit that heat transference brings to the environment, there is an equal and opposite negative toll it takes.  One of the most harmful effects of thermal radiation is the fact that by nature, thermal radiation has the capability to ignite matter. And while yes, this can often be a benefit to our environment, in many cases this can create grave danger; for example in dry areas like around Californian forests, these trees are susceptible to their ecological infrastructure igniting and having a forest fire occur. Additionally, heat transference is a contributing factor to Global Warming. Although the atmosphere is for the most part opaque and thermal radiation from Earth's surface is absorbed by the atmosphere, radiation still escapes into space. It is then subsequently absorbed and emitted back by atmosphere gases. This is what evidently contributes to Global Warming.

Bibliography:

1.       Huebsch, Russell. "Thermal Radiation Effects | EHow.com." EHow. Web. 02 Nov. 2011. <http://www.ehow.com/about_5544786_thermal-radiation-effects.html>.

2.       "Solar Radiation and the Earth's Energy Balance." Columbia University | Earth and Environmental Sciences. Web. 02 Nov. 2011. <http://eesc.columbia.edu/courses/ees/climate/lectures/radiation/>.

Scholarly articles:

1.      Höppe, P. "The Physiological Equivalent Temperature – a Universal Index for the Biometeorological Assessment of the Thermal Environment." Springer. International Journal of Biometeorology. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. <http://www.springerlink.com/content/pu50qardua56k6em/>.

2.      Howell, John R., and Robert Siegel. "Thermal Radiation Heat Transfer, Vol. 1." Taylor & Francis Publishing. Web. 02 Nov. 2011. <http://books.google.com/books?hl=en>.

3.      Wong, Nyuk Hien. "Investigation of Thermal Benefits of Rooftop Garden in the Tropical Environment." Science Direct. Elsevier Science Ltd. Web. 02 Nov. 2011. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360132302000665.