Question

% of photons that actually make it to the IR

A. Is always 100%
B. Depends on the atomic number of the material
C. Depends on the exposure time
D. Is typically less than 5%

Answer 1

The percentage of photons that actually make it to the infrared (IR) is typically less than 5%.

Step-by-step explanation:

The percentage of photons that actually make it to the infrared (IR) is typically less than 5%. When photons with higher energy and shorter wavelength, such as infrared radiation, interact with matter, a significant fraction of their energy is lost as heat. This is because the boosted electrons in the material rattle the crystal before being tamed.