What happens to the reading of an infrared thermometer as the distance from the object increases?

The reading of an infrared thermometer becomes less accurate as the distance from the object increases due to the inherent characteristics of how these devices measure temperature. Infrared thermometers work by detecting the infrared radiation emitted from an object and translating this into a temperature reading.

As the distance increases, the area from which the thermometer collects infrared radiation also expands. This broader area may include different materials or surfaces that are not representative of the object's actual temperature, leading to inaccuracies. Additionally, atmospheric conditions, such as dust, humidity, or temperature variations, can also affect the amount of infrared radiation that successfully reaches the thermometer from further distances, ultimately contributing to less reliable readings. Therefore, for precise temperature measurements, it is crucial to minimize the distance from the object being measured.