Hot! Hot! Hot! A Look into Infrared Waves

Most of us would agree that we enjoy the luxuries of present day life, though without understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum we would be much less advanced. Knowing about radio waves allows us to have radios and televisions. Without those two huge forms of communication and entertainment who knows where we would be. Food would still be cooking on solely on the stove top and oven without the knowledge of microwaves. Understanding ultraviolet rays can prevent us to not get sun burned by using ultraviolet protection lotion- sun screen. The list can go on and on. Though the section that has the most objects on Earth that emit its radiation is the infrared section, which almost every object on Earth emits these rays.

Have you ever wondered how military units can see in the dark? The answer is simple: they are using technology that shows the infrared section of the electromagnetic spectrum. This section of the electromagnetic spectrum has a frequency of 300 GHz to 400 THz and a wavelength of 1 micrometer to 1,000 micrometers- about the size of a grain of sand (NASA Space Place). What these technologies detect is heat being radiated by say, a human or animal.

Picture of a Person: Courtesy of Cool Cosmos

These rays are actually the movement of chemically bonded atoms or groups of atoms in materials. Which create friction that in turn create infrared rays or more commonly known as heat.
From knowing that infrared rays are heat the only real safety considerations that can be deduced is don’t be by something to hot because too much infrared radiation can create a burn. Infrared waves are also used in remotes and cameras. Some cameras are taken of space and the earth to learn more about the nature of both (NASA Kids). Even in the natural world infrared rays are used; the viper family has infrared pits to see their prey in the dark.

Picture of Cat in Infrared: Courtesy of NASA

Clearly infrared waves are a huge section of the electromagnetic section. They have advanced our understanding of not only our world but even space. Also, it has advanced our military so we are not limited to operations in the daylight. Also, with the way infrared waves interact with matter (by heating them) it keeps us alive, hints the term huddle together when warm, this works because you are sharing infrared radiation with each other. Without this section of the electromagnetic section it would be very hard for us to even survive and we would not be as civilized even if we could survive.

Works Cited

Adustum. "INFRARED RAYS." Think Quest. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2010.

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

Angelo, Joseph A. "Infrared (IR) Radiation." Science Online. INFOhio, 2003. Web. 31 Mar. 2010. <http://www.fofweb.com/activelink2.asp?ItemID=WE40&SID=5&iPin=DSTS1351&SingleRecord=True>.

IPAC. "Near, Mid, and Far Infrared." Infrared Astronomy. NASA, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2010.

.

Sports For Life... Literally

If I were a to be in a scientific field I would go into Sports Science, mainly focusing on running. Sports Scientists studies scientific principles and theories with the goal of improving sport performance (CSS). Sports Science normally covers physiology, psychology, motor control, and biomechanics though can also cover nutrition, diet, sports technology, anthropometry kinanthropometry, and performance analysis. Human movement is a closely related field discipline that studies human movement in all contexts including that of sport (Wikipedia). Sports Scientist usually work in a lab or in a training building to assist people. One of the main jobs a Sports Scientist does is study the human body, but also run tests on people (like measuring somebodies VO2 level).

Right Image: Courtesy of Texas Instruments Cool Careers

This job suits me well because first I love sports, running in specific. I find it very interesting the science and facts that are behind running. Learning and finding these results is what I would love to do. Also, I would like this job because I have had a lot of support and knowledge given to me in my athletic career and I would like to help othersdo the same. Also this is a field where you can go to school more and more, even after a PhD to enhance the knowledge of the occupation because new information is always being found. Someone could get a college education from an associates to a doctorate.
Left Image: Courtesy of UK Sports

My goal for my working career is to get a stable salary that can support a family without much stress, increase my knowledge, and be able to do my hobby (running). This career perfectly meets all my goals; first, a Sports Scientist generally makes over $1,000 a week (Occupation Information). This can vary on where the person works and will probably increase by the time I get old enough to get the job. Secondly, I will gain a lot of knowledge in this field, and it is about what I love. Finally, I will be able to do my hobby, because that is what my work would mainly be about; running. It would be my work everyday to learn about and help others with my hobby.

A Sports Scientist also matches my learning style because the research would be by vizualising and reading which is the way I learn best. Also, in order to help others with their sport one has to watch them in order to help them. This type of scientist helps future generations because as time goes on sports are going to get more popular and a way to stay fit. With the knowledge from these scientists people can enhance performance in their sport and help them better understand what is actually happening while doing the excersise. The job that truly fits my goals and personality is a Sports Sciencist, so there would be no question that this is the occupation that I am striving to be.

For video footage of Sports Science please visit EHow: Sports Science Tips.