EMITTANCE Meaning and
Definition
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Emittance is a term used in various fields such as physics and engineering to describe the rate at which an object or surface emits electromagnetic radiation or particles. It specifically refers to the amount of radiant energy emitted by a body per unit of time and unit of surface area.
In the realm of thermal physics, emittance commonly pertains to the emission of infrared radiation (heat) from an object. It represents the ability of a surface to emit thermal energy. High-emittance surfaces are efficient at radiating heat, while low-emittance surfaces are less proficient in thermal emission. Emittance values typically range between 0 and 1, with 1 indicating a perfect emitter and 0 representing a perfectly reflective or non-emissive surface.
Emittance is also relevant in the field of optics, particularly in relation to the emission of light. It signifies the ability of a material or substance to release visible or ultraviolet radiation. In this context, emittance is often associated with terms such as reflectance and transmittance, which respectively describe the ability of a surface to reflect or transmit light.
The measurement and understanding of emittance is crucial in various applications including energy transfer, thermal management, and the design of efficient lighting systems. It helps scientists and engineers determine how objects or surfaces interact with electromagnetic waves or particles, ultimately influencing the efficiency and performance of various devices and systems.
Common Misspellings for EMITTANCE
Etymology of EMITTANCE
The word "emittance" originated from the verb "emit", which comes from the Latin word "emittere". "Emittere" is a combination of the prefix "e-" meaning "out" and the verb "mittere" meaning "to send". Over time, the noun form "emittance" emerged, referring to the act of sending out or emitting something, particularly in the context of heat radiation or electromagnetic waves.
