2006-09-09 12:19:21 · 10 answers · asked by thecomox 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
No. Radiant heat is caused by collisions between molecules and the kinetic energy of those molecules. The reason a magnifying glass heats things when focusing the sun is because it focuses the sun's electromagnetic radiation. That radiation feels warm because it adds energy (heat) to objects it strikes. It is like very high-energy light. Heat and the sun's light are two very different energies. So, no ambient heat cannot be focused through a magnifying glass.
2006-09-09 12:27:28 · answer #1 · answered by Eric D 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes and no. As I understand it, radiant heat transfers energy via electromagnetic radiation, which in this case means infrared radiation. But infrared radiation covers a wide range of frequencies, and a glass lens will focus light differently depending on the frequency.
So, if you put a magnifying glass in front of a radiant heat source, some of the radiant heat, the frequencies closest to visible light, will be focused by the glass, some if it will be focused to a lesser degree, and some will hardly be focused at all.
You should, of course, check this answer by getting a magnifying glass and a thermometer and seeing what results you get with a radiant heat source.
JMB
2006-09-09 12:35:11 · answer #2 · answered by levyrat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am going to say yes, because the amount of heat concentrated with the magnifying glass will cause friction and thus expand.
2006-09-09 12:23:30 · answer #3 · answered by kriend 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would think that it could be. I know that polished foil (like in a reflective telescope) will concentrate radiant heat, so whatever energy passes through the lens should be refracted somewhat. I agree that the focal length would vary with wavelength.
2006-09-09 14:42:15 · answer #4 · answered by Wishbone 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, because you need light to make the magnifying glass work.
2006-09-09 12:29:51 · answer #5 · answered by Terry B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certainly. Glass is largely transparent to infrared radiation. You can take pictures with infrared light on film that is sensitive to it, but the focal length of the lens will be slightly different.
2006-09-09 13:13:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a good question. I must compliment you for thinking of this. I never really thought this thru very deeply before.
Let me see............
I would say Yes, because light or heat is energy. A convex lens would concentrate whatever energy passes thru it.
So, by this theory I would say yes.
2006-09-09 12:27:13 · answer #7 · answered by Nightrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wouldnt radio frquency fall under the same catagory as light, just a different wavlength?
could you focus radio waves with a magnifing glass?
2006-09-09 12:44:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
2006-09-09 12:23:45 · answer #9 · answered by sarge 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO!!
2006-09-09 12:23:19 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋