All energy obtained from electromagnetic waves is referred to as radiant energy. As a result, every wave in the electromagnetic spectrum (ultraviolet rays, visible light, infrared, radio waves, and so on) is a candidate to be converted into photovoltaic or thermal energy.
Two factors determine the energy capacity of electromagnetic waves. The first is the intensity or number of light particles (photons) striking a particular surface in a specific period. The frequency and length of the electromagnetic wave itself are the second factors to consider.
Examples of Radiant Energy with Pictures
In our daily lives, radiant energy reveals itself in various ways. As a result, there are several examples of radiant or electromagnetic energy, as demonstrated below:
A microwave oven is a device that emits radiant energy in microwaves.
As a result, any food placed within the appliance and exposed to the microwaves will heat up due to receiving all of the electromagnetic energy in the form of microwaves that hits its surface.
The Heat from the Body
When physical activity is conducted, the human body, and any warm-blooded living organism in general, can carry out internal chemical processes.
As a result, the body’s temperature rises, and radiant energy in heat is expelled into the surrounding external environment.
X-rays conducted at medical institutions provide detailed photographs of the inside of the body.
Special equipment is employed for this purpose, which releases radiant energy in the form of X-rays or other manifestations of electromagnetic waves capable of passing through any considerable body.
Radiation from the Sun
The sun’s heat energy is always used as a clear illustration of how radiant energy presents itself.
Because of the chemical processes that occur on its surface, this significant star can produce radiation in the form of electromagnetic waves.
These electromagnetic waves travel across space, and some of them make it to Earth.
How is Radiant Energy created?
Radiant energy is produced by interacting electromagnetic particles created naturally (the sun) or intentionally (for example, a microwave oven) with any tangible item.
Therefore, the energy contained in photons is delivered to the organism that intercepts it in this manner. When this happens, a transfer of energy in the form of heat is produced, with the quantity of energy received by the body varying depending on the particle’s wavelength.
Photovoltaic electricity was first too expensive to create. This was because solar panels constructed of precious metals are required to get high yields. However, it is now feasible to construct solar panels from less expensive materials because of technical advancements.
On the other hand, heat energy is considerably easier and less expensive to utilize because it does not need any sophisticated tools but only space.
There are several methods for harnessing the thermal energy conveyed by light.
- For example, when heated by the sun’s rays, the evaporation of water may provide the motion required to power an electric turbine.
- Solar stoves are another simple method to harvest this sort of energy.
- Mirrors reflect sunlight onto a surface or straight onto anything you wish to cook in these.
- Photovoltaic power
- The circumstances created by a photoelectric cell generate this form of energy. These are semiconductors that have been subjected to radiant radiation. As a result, a photon will collide with a semiconductor atom.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A better understanding of this type of energy will be possible by reviewing the following list of advantages and disadvantages:
- Radiant energy is a renewable and nearly endless source that can be harnessed by harnessing sunshine. As a result, it is not polluting.
- None of the methods for harnessing radiant energy emit greenhouse gases.
- Aside from electrical generation, there are other techniques to harness radiant energy because its conversion to heat may be used for heating.
- Electricity generation necessitates appropriate technology, which is frequently not cost-effective.
- The usage of sunlight is affected by meteorological conditions, which vary depending on the time of year, height, and other factors.
- Other energy sources are far more efficient.
- This is true of nuclear energy and the usage of hydrocarbons.
Mathematical Formula of Radiant Energy
To compute radiant energy, use the following mathematical formula derived from the research of physicists such as Albert Einstein and Max Planck.
E = Radiant energy contained by an electromagnetic wave.
h = Plank’s constant (6.62607004 × 10-34 m2 kg / s)
v= Radiation frequency