Infrared
The long wave, electromagnetic radiation of radiant heat emitted by all hot objects. On the electromagnetic spectrum, it can be found between microwave radiation and visible light. Water vapor, ozone, and carbon dioxide are capable of absorbing or transmitting infrared radiation. May be referred to as IR.
Electromagnetic Radiation
Also called radiation, it is waves of energy propagated though space or through a material media.
Radiation
The process by which energy is propagated through any medium by virtue of the wave motion of that medium. Electromagnetic radiation, which emits heat and light, is one form. Sound waves are another.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The band of electromagnetic radiation with components that are separated into their relative wave lengths. The portion of the spectrum that the human eye can detect is called visible light, between the longer infrared waves and the shorter ultraviolet waves. The various types of energy comprising the spectrum are (from longest to shortest) radio, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays.
Visible Light
The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye. It travels at the same speed as all other radiation, that is at 186,000 mile per second. It has a wave length longer than ultraviolet light and shorter than x-rays.
Water Vapor (H2O)
Water in gaseous form. It is one of the most import constituents of the atmosphere. Due to its molecular content, air containing water vapor is lighter than dry air. This contributes to the reason why moist air has a tendency to rise.
Ozone (O3)
A nearly colorless gas and a form of oxygen (O2). It is composed of an oxygen molecule made up of three oxygen atoms instead of two.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A heavy, colorless gas that is the fourth most abundant constituent of dry air, comprising 0.033% of the total.