Infrared Waves

There are many waves on the electromagnetic spectrum and without knowledge of how all of these waves work we wouldn't be quite as advanced as we are today. Infrared waves are used for many things in our world, Infrared photography and laser eye surgery are just two of the many uses of infrared radiation. Infrared waves are used in heat transfer and are essential to the Greenhouse Effect also.

An infrared wavelengh is about 0.1 to o.oooo75 cm long. It's frequesncy range is anywhere from 10^12 to 5 x 10^14. Accodrding to Adustum, infrared radiation is absorbed and emitted by the vibrations of atoms of many materials. Glass windows and other types of matter absorb infrared light waves, also after spending time in the sun infrared light waves can be felt as warmth on the skin, infrared light is not visable. Most objects on Earth emit infrared waves, everything above zero degrees celcius has infrared radiation. The main source of infrared radiation is in heat radiation, the warmer something is, the more moving molecules they produce resulting in more infrared radiation. Infrared waves are also a vital part of the Greenhouse Effect. The Greenhouse Effect is the warming of the Earth's surface, infrared radiation gets absorbed by Earth's atmosphere causing the atmosphere to heat up. This causes infrared radiation to return to Earth's surface.



There are many uses for infrared waves such as infrared photography. Infrared photography is when infrared rays are used to reflect off of a surface to show light. The rays detect heat, warmer things such as a human would appear very bright, but something such as a lake would appear almost black. Also infrared rays are used by the military to detect objects and people in the dark. Lasers are also very known uses for infrared rays, carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide is used with infrared rays to create the lasers.

Infrared waves are hot so be sure not to be over-exposed with infrared waves because they can cause burns but infrared waves are otherwise safe. Infrared waves are an important part of the electromagnetic spectrum. They are used for photography, the military, lasers, and for many other interesting things. They also account for nearly 50% of the Sun's radiant energy. Without infrared waves the world would be a very cold and different place.


Photos: http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/ir_tutorial/what_is_ir.html


Other sources:
http://www.school.eb.com/eb/article-59183?query=infrared%20frequency%20range&ct

http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/ir_tutorial/what_is_ir.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/27930/spectrum.htm

http://library.thinkquest.org/C006027/html-ver/es-infra.html

Forensic Science: Behind the Investigation

A forensic scientist is different from the average scientist. They help solve crimes by analyzing data and finding clues in evidence. They look for patterns in the weapon used to figure out what the exact type of weapon it was. They search for fingerprints or DNA on the evidence then analyze their findings to find the murderer or criminal. The word "Forensic" means "pertaining to the law".Forensic science is much like solving a puzzle, you're given the pieces but it's your job to figure out how all the pieces fit together. I would want to be a forensic scientist because I like solving puzzles. I'm a very observant person and I like to search for answers. Forensics is a challenging field of work and I like to be challenged. I also like the aspect of knowing I'm helping something or someone. I like the idea of working towards criminal justice, but I would want to be working in the background instead of on the front lines.

I am a visual learner, so I have to visualize things in order to know what to do. Forensic scientists visualize everything to come up with all possibilities of why something is there. They have to be able to work with the evidence by seeing it and visualizing what could have happened. They come up with theories to help visualize the crime. A lot of people are visual learners which will make this job more appealing to future generations. Also the fact that T.V. shows make being a forensic scientist look really exciting will help lead more people into the career of forensics. This scientific field isn't quite as alluring as shows like 'NCIS' and 'CSI' portray it as, but what's shown on these shows is a lot like what real-life forensics is like. Although forensics is difficult, in the future even more technology will be available to forensic scientists that could make this job more appealing.

A forensic scientist has to go through a lot of schooling, how much depends on what type of scientist you are. For example a medical examiner has to go through 7 or more years of schooling outside of the first four years of college. A medical degree is usually required, it's also good to have a chemistry or biology degree. A crime laboratory analyst needs a degree in a natural science and it's best to also have a degree in chemistry. All forensic science jobs require college degrees and most get paid well enough. Medical examiners get paid the most but they work in autopsy, so it involes cutting up dead bodies.

Photographs:
1st photo- Forensic Science

2nd photo- Fingerprints...

Sources:

Forensic Science

Advice About a Career in Forensic Science

Forensic a Career In

Career: Forensic Scientists