Final answer:
The metal Tyrel is learning about will likely get warm when exposed to infrared light, as infrared radiation is absorbed by materials and converted into heat.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tyrel is learning about a certain metal used to make satellites. This metal absorbs infrared light, transmits X-ray light, and reflects visible light. The question Tyrel wonders about is whether the metal will get warm if he shines these lights on it.
Infrared radiation is known for its heating properties, as discovered by astronomer William Herschel in 1800. Infrared waves are absorbed by substances such as water and carbon dioxide molecules and converted into heat. Radiant heat transfer is significant because we can feel warmth from radiant infrared sources, like heat lamps. Since infrared radiation is absorbed and causes objects to heat up due to the energy transfer, shining infrared light on the metal would indeed cause it to become warm.
Observational tools such as telescopes and satellites are designed taking into account their interaction with different wavelengths of light. The material's property of reflecting visible light while absorbing infrared light is likely a deliberate design choice to manage heat from the Sun and other sources in space.