Do IR cameras measure temperature?

Infrared (IR) cameras indeed detect infrared radiation, which is emitted by all objects based on their temperature. While they do not measure temperature directly, they convert the detected infrared radiation into temperature readings. This allows users to visualize the thermal profile of a surface and infer its temperature based on the amount of infrared radiation emitted. The principles behind IR cameras are rooted in the relationship between temperature and infrared radiation, which is defined by Planck's law.

In this context, IR cameras are utilized across various applications, including building inspections, electrical system monitoring, and predictive maintenance. By interpreting the infrared radiation data, users can draw conclusions regarding the temperature of the surface being analyzed, even if the camera is not measuring temperature in the traditional sense.

The other options do not accurately represent the functionality of infrared cameras. For instance, while surface temperature can often be inferred, stating that they only show infrared radiation overlooks the camera's ability to correlate this radiation with temperature readings. Additionally, IR cameras are designed to function in a wide range of environments, not just controlled ones, and they can effectively measure temperatures on various surfaces, not limiting themselves strictly to solids.