diathermancy

A scientist demonstrates diathermancy by shining a light through a glass pane.

Definition

Noun (Physics): - diathermancy refers to the property of a substance or material that allows heat radiation (infrared radiation) to pass through it without being absorbed. It is the ability to transmit thermal energy in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Usage Examples

• (The glass's ability to transmit heat radiation.)
• (Substances that permit heat to pass through easily.)
• (The property of transmitting heat radiation.)

Advanced Usage

• "diathermancy coefficient": a numerical value indicating the degree to which a material transmits heat radiation.

  • The diathermancy coefficient of quartz is higher than that of ordinary glass. (A measure of heat transmission efficiency.)

• "selective diathermancy": the property of transmitting only certain wavelengths of heat radiation.

  • Atmospheric gases exhibit selective diathermancy, allowing some infrared rays to pass while absorbing others. (The ability to transmit specific thermal wavelengths.)

Variants and Related Words

• Diathermanous (adj): having the property of diathermancy; transparent to heat radiation.
  • Rock salt is a diathermanous material, allowing infrared light to pass through. (Permeable to heat rays.)
• Athermancy (n): the opposite property — inability to transmit heat radiation.
  • Metal sheets have high athermancy, blocking most thermal radiation. (Lack of heat transmission.)

Synonyms

• Heat transparency: the quality of being transparent to infrared or thermal radiation.
• Radiant heat transmission: the ability to pass heat in the form of electromagnetic waves.

Related Idioms