Consider the two statements given below: Statement-1 : Infrared waves

Consider the two statements given below: Statement-1 : Infrared waves are also called heat waves. Statement-2 : Water molecules readily absorb infrared waves. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Both the statements are individually true and Statement-2 is the correct explanation of Statement-1.

Both the statements are individually true, but Statement-2 is not the correct explanation of Statement-1.

Statement-1 is true, but Statement-2 is false.

Statement-2 is true, but Statement-1 is false.

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC NDA-1 – 2024

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Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are individually true, and Statement-2 is the correct explanation of Statement-1.

– **Statement-1: Infrared waves are also called heat waves.** This is true. Infrared radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is strongly associated with heat transfer. Objects at room temperature or higher emit infrared radiation. When infrared radiation is absorbed by a material, it increases the kinetic energy of its molecules, leading to an increase in temperature (i.e., heat).
– **Statement-2: Water molecules readily absorb infrared waves.** This is also true. Water molecules have vibrational modes that efficiently absorb infrared radiation, particularly in certain wavelengths within the infrared spectrum. This strong absorption is why water heats up when exposed to infrared sources (like sunlight or a heater) and why infrared spectroscopy is useful for studying water.

Statement-2 provides a key reason why infrared waves are considered “heat waves”. Because common substances like water (present in living organisms, the atmosphere, etc.) readily absorb infrared radiation and convert it into thermal energy, infrared radiation is a primary means of radiative heat transfer in many contexts, including between the sun and the Earth, and between objects at different temperatures. Thus, the property described in Statement-2 (ready absorption by water) contributes significantly to the heating effect associated with infrared waves, as stated in Statement-1.

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