Infrared and microwave radiation are both forms of electromagnetic radiation, but they differ in their wavelengths and energy levels.
Microwaves have longer wavelengths and lower frequencies than infrared radiation. The wavelengths of microwaves typically range from about 1 millimeter to 1 meter, while infrared radiation has wavelengths ranging from about 700 nanometers to 1 millimeter. The longer wavelength of microwaves allows them to pass through certain materials more easily than infrared radiation.
In terms of energy, the amount of energy carried by electromagnetic radiation is inversely proportional to its wavelength. This means that shorter wavelength radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, carries more energy than longer wavelength radiation like microwaves or infrared radiation. So, in comparison, microwave radiation carries less energy than infrared radiation.
To give you some context, microwaves are commonly used for cooking and heating food. They can penetrate certain materials and are absorbed by water molecules, which then generate heat. Infrared radiation is often associated with heat and is used in applications such as infrared heaters or infrared cameras to detect heat signatures.
It's important to note that while microwaves and infrared radiation have different energy levels, they both can have various effects on different materials and are used in different applications based on their specific properties.