Why is radiometric infrared (IR) better than isothermal IR for evaluating measurable temperature differences in objects?

Radiometric infrared (IR) is superior to isothermal IR for evaluating measurable temperature differences because it provides absolute temperature measurements. This capability allows for a more precise and quantifiable assessment of the thermal characteristics of objects. Absolute temperature measurements enable users to understand the actual temperature values rather than just the relative differences, which can be crucial in applications such as thermal imaging, monitoring equipment, or analyzing environmental conditions.

With absolute measurements, radiometric IR can accurately assess the temperature of an object, accounting for variables such as emissivity and distance, thereby improving the reliability of the data collected. This level of accuracy is particularly advantageous in contexts where understanding the exact temperature is necessary for decision-making and operational safety.