Sources of Radiant Energy

Atoms absorb energy from an outside source and release (or

"emit") this energy as electromagnetic radiation. This
radiation can be in the form of waves of many different
wavelengths or frequencies.
Many energy sources emit radiant energy. The sun and other
stars are luminous or "light-giving" objects that produce
radiant energy from nuclear reactions. Luminescence may
result from biological processes (e.g., fireflies), from chemical
reactions like burning kerosene in a lamp, from friction, or
from electricity, as in a light bulb.
The sun is the earths primary source of radiant
energy. A significant portion of the radiant energy from the
sun actually gets converted to other forms of energy once it
reaches the earth.For example, the process of photosynthesis
byplants converts the radiant energy from the sunto chemical
energy. Both the atmosphere and the surface of the earth
absorb large portions of
the suns radiant energy and convert it to heat.The resulting
heat contributes to the formation of winds in our atmosphere.
Both these windsand the heat of the sun play a critical role in
theearths hydrologic cycle.

"Radiant" just means energy that can move from one place to
another without
a medium to carry it. So any form of electromagnetic
'radiation' qualifies. That
includes heat, light, and radio, generated by things such as:

-- toaster
-- light bulb
-- fireplace
-- microwave oven
-- TV remote
-- garage-door opener
-- CB radio
-- the sun
-- tanning light
-- camera strobe
-- GPS satellite
-- TV satellite
-- car headlight
-- steam-iron

Everyday Examples of Radiant Energy
Virtually anything that has a temperature gives off radiant
energy. Some examples of radiant energy include:
The heat emitted from a campfire
Emission of heat from a hot sidewalk
X-rays give off radiant energy
Microwaves utilize radiant energy
Space heaters produce radiant energy
Heat created by the body can be radiant energy
Lighting fixtures
Home heating units
Fixtures that convert solar energy to heat
Visible light
Gamma rays
Radio waves
Electricity
A surface heated by the sun converts the energy of
the light into infrared energy which is a form of
radiant energy
Cell phones utilize radiant energy to function
Magnetic motor generators that utilize neodymium
magnets create radiant energy
Audio signals that come to home or cars via radio
waves
Ultraviolet light
Infrared radiation
The light emitted from a campfire
The light generated from a light bulb
A heated brake disc giving off heat
The heat from a grill used for cooking
Water can reflect or absorb radiant energy
Soil can absorb radiant energy
Light from the sun
Heat emitted from a bunsen burner
Heat from an overused computer
Heat caused by friction
Heat emitted from a dryer
The heat generated by a light bulb
Heat generated through reflection of visible light
A window reflects radiant energy
Heat created from a stove or oven
Heat emitted from a washing machine
importance of radiant energy in your daily life
the Sun, sunlight is our primary source of radiant energy,
without it- life on Earth would pretty much cease to exist.
Radiant energy is given off by space heaters, toasters,
stove burners, light bulbs (give radiant energy as heat
and as light), etc.. All electromagnetic energy from
gamma rays, x-rays, thru radio waves are types of radiant
energy.