Is an infrared image an image of exact temperature distribution?

• A. Yes
• B. No - Radiation distribution
• C. It shows energy distribution
• D. It shows color only

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that infrared images capture how much infrared radiation is present at each point in a scene, not the exact temperature at every point. That camera detects energy distribution across the image and translates it into colors or grayscale for visualization. Temperature is inferred from that radiance, but it depends on factors like surface emissivity and reflections of ambient infrared light. Because emissivity varies by material and reflections can skew the measured radiation, the image does not show an exact temperature map. With proper calibration and emissivity knowledge, you can estimate temperatures, but the raw image itself represents radiation distribution, not an exact temperature distribution.