I use a Fluke infrared temperature measurement meter for various applications. I have not thought too much about the source of that infrared radiation until recently. Assume some solid with maybe a crystal structure or not (such as a block of wood) -- I can measure the temperature via the infrared radiation given off by the object.
What is the source of this radiation? I mean, is it one of (or all of) the following:
- charge acceleration (such as charged particle changing direction, striking something, being struck by something).
- Photon given off by electron in atom changing energy levels.
- Some other kind of source unknown to me.
If item 3 is the answer, can someone explain. Thanks.
