Would it be possible for a radiator to turn heat into radio waves? Or would that require more work?

Question

Which would thus produce more heat...

I'm asking because I heard about a sci-fi story where a spaceship dumped heat by converting it into giant lazer beam. This wouldn't work because lazer light is a higher form of energy than heat, and creating it would produce even more heat. But looking at the electromagnetic spectrum makes me think radio waves are lower than heat, and thus somehow there should be a way to convert heat to radio waves efficiently. No?

Answer 1

Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation. Heat IS automatically converted into infrared radiation (usually); it's called "black body" radiation, and the body doesn't really have to be black, although it helps.

This is commonly done purposefully in spacecraft with specific radiating surfaces. But the laser trick you mention would likely require a heat engine of sorts, and this would require a big black body radiator, which defeats the purpose of the laser.

Answer 2

Infrared Heat is already an electromagnetic wave in the terahertz frequency range. If you want it to become a lazer or radiate at lower radio frequencies that might take some work.

Answer 3

Heat can not be directly turned into an electromagnetic wave. The properties of the two are no where near the same. Heat is typically a by product of something. Remember energy is not created or destroyed but merely changed. So you can change RF into heat, by the RF energy causing vibration in the molecules of a substance which then results in heat. (the theory behind a microwave.)

Answer 4

i'd assume so. warmth waves / radio waves are purely electromagnetic waves of diverse capability (frequency). in case you will desire to make warmth waves (infrared) from radio waves than you will desire to function capability. capability would desire to be conserved you comprehend. The mechanism to generate EM waves is unquestionably trouble-free (Acceleration expenditures are all you like), yet in prepare...it takes ingenuity to make the device to do it. Im unquestionably undecided the thank you to pull that off. notice: to declare an merchandise radiates a particular frequency is deceptive. Your hand for situations at room temperature radiates a variety of Electromagnetic radiation in the infrared selection.

Answer 5

Cool idea...I can see it now, driving down the street, using the heat from your radiator to power your own personal radio station! Talk about a meltdown or just jammin' things up! (lol) funny stuff.

Answer 6

yea no...that would require a lot of work, and still it probably wouldn't work