Tyrel is learning about a certain kind of metal used to make satellites. He learns that infrared light is absorbed by the metal, X-ray light is transmitted through the metal, and visible light is reflected off the metal. Tyrel wonders of the metal will get warm if he shines the lights on it. Can light cause the metal to get warm?

Question

Marlee Horne

Physics

24 May, 06:01

Tyrel is learning about a certain kind of metal used to make satellites. He learns that infrared light is absorbed by the metal, X-ray light is transmitted through the metal, and visible light is reflected off the metal. Tyrel wonders of the metal will get warm if he shines the lights on it. Can light cause the metal to get warm?

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Answers (1)

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Leroy Hayes · Answer 1

Answer: yes.

Explanation: The light that will be incidented on that metal is visible light.

It depends on 3 factors:

1. The temperature

2. The specific heat capacity of the metal

3. The thermal conductivity of the metal.

The metal getting warmer also depend on the reflection and the absorption of light energy in which it will surely absorb some energy and not reflect all.

When visible light is absorbed by an object, the object converts the short wavelength light into long wavelength heat. This causes the object to get warmer.