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Difficulty: EasyElectromagnetic Waves and Electromagnetic Spectrum

Which type of electromagnetic radiation is primarily detected using a thermopile or a bolometer due to its heating effect?

  1. Infrared radiationAnswer
  2. B
    Ultraviolet radiation
  3. C
    Gamma radiation
  4. D
    Radio waves

Answer

Infrared radiation is the component of the electromagnetic spectrum primarily detected by a thermopile or bolometer.
Infrared radiation is absorbed by matter primarily as heat, raising the temperature of the absorber. Thermopiles measure this temperature rise by generating a small voltage across thermocouple junctions, making infrared radiation the primary band detected by thermopiles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the characteristic mechanism of detection for thermopiles
Thermopiles convert thermal energy (heat) into an electrical voltage via the thermoelectric effect.
Understanding the working principle of the detector points to the radiation band with prominent heating properties.
2
Match the detector to the corresponding electromagnetic band
Infrared radiation causes significant thermal excitation and temperature rise upon absorption, making thermopiles ideal detectors.
Infrared rays are also known as heat waves because they transfer thermal energy efficiently.

Key Concept

Detection mechanisms of electromagnetic waves
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Electromagnetic Waves and Electromagnetic Spectrum

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