Question

Identify two instances of technical language in the following passage. In each case, explain why readers might find this language useful. Finally, explain whether the writer has helped readers understand the terms, supporting your answer with a quotation from the passage.

Electromagnetic radiation takes a variety of forms, from radio waves to sunlight. It was only
within the last two hundred years that scientists first became aware of the existence of
electromagnetic radiation frequencies beyond the visible portion of the electromagnetic
spectrum. One such example is infrared radiation, which has wavelengths starting at 1
millimeter, shorter than those of radio waves, and running to 750 nm (about .001 millimeter),
just greater than the wavelength of visible light. The frequencies of infrared radiation range
from 300 GHz (gigahertz) to 400 THz (terahertz). (Generally, the shorter the wavelength of
electromagnetic radiation, the greater the frequency.) When the first infrared observations
were made of the night sky, they revealed previously invisible objects. Humanity’s reach into
the cosmos was suddenly extended, and a new world lay open to our exploration.

Answer 1

Two instances of technical language in the passage are "infrared radiation" and "electromagnetic spectrum". Readers might find this language useful because it helps to accurately describe the wavelengths and frequencies of infrared radiation and electromagnetic radiation, providing precise information about the topic. The writer has helped readers understand the terms by providing clear definitions and examples. For example, the writer explains that "The frequencies of infrared radiation range from 300 GHz (gigahertz) to 400 THz (terahertz)" and that "Generally, the shorter the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the greater the frequency."