CBSE 2026 · Region 4 · Set 1 · Q25 · 3 marks
What are infrared waves ? Why are these waves referred to as 'heat waves' ? Give any two uses of these waves.
Marking-scheme solution
Defining infrared waves Reason for being referred to as heat waves Two uses
Infrared waves are the waves produced by hot bodies and molecules.
Alternatively:
They are electromagnetic (em) waves whose wavelength lies between 1mm to700nm.
They are referred to as heat waves because water molecules present in most materials readily absorb infrared waves. After absorption, their thermal motion increases, that is, they heat up and heat their surroundings.
Electromagnetic WavesElectromagnetic SpectrumUnderstandshort_answereasy
More from Electromagnetic Waves
- The ratio of amplitude of electric field to the amplitude of the magnetic field associated with an…2026 · asked 3×
- The magnetic field in a plane electromagnetic wave travelling in glass (n=1 · 5) is given by B y=(2 × 10^-7…2026 · asked 3×
- A plane electromagnetic wave travels through a medium and the magnetic field associated with it is given by…2026 · asked 3×
- How are infrared waves produced? Why are these waves referred to as heat waves? Give any two uses of infrared…2023 · asked 3×
- What is meant by the term 'displacement current'? Briefly explain how this current is different from a…2023 · asked 3×
- Identify electromagnetic waves which: (i) are used in radar system. (ii) affect a photographic plate. (iii)…2022 · asked 3×
- Which of the following electromagnetic waves has photons of largest momentum?2025 · asked 3×
- (i) Depict a plane electromagnetic wave propagating along the x-axis. Write the expressions for its…2022 · asked 3×
CBSE Class 12 Physics past-paper question from the 2026board exam, with the answer as CBSE’s own marking scheme gives it. Where our answers come from.