Final answer:
Radiant heat transfers energy through infrared radiation, occurring between objects that have different temperatures and accounts for about 60% of body heat loss. Radiators, the sun, and infrared lamps are common sources of radiant heat, which is also detectable through infrared cameras.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radiant heat transfers energy through the process known as radiation, which is the emission of energy in the form of infrared waves. This form of heat transfer occurs between objects with different temperatures. For example, heat from a fire reaches you primarily through radiation, as the infrared radiation is absorbed by your skin. Similarly, objects like radiators can warm a room using this method. A real-world application of understanding radiant heat transfer is the use of infrared cameras to detect heat loss from a house or even to locate humans via infrared emissions in surveillance activities. Additionally, our bodies lose about 60% of their heat through radiation.
Moreover, the sun is a powerful source of radiant heat; it transmits warmth to Earth through radiation, providing an essential energy source for life. Infrared lamps, such as quartz heaters, are designed to emit radiant heat that is readily absorbed by our bodies, making them efficient sources of warmth. Therefore, understanding the principle behind radiant heat transfer is crucial in various fields, from domestic heating to advanced engineering and surveillance technology.