Does radiant heat pass through transparent glass?

Radiant heat does indeed pass through transparent glass. This is primarily due to the nature of visible light and infrared radiation, which are types of electromagnetic radiation. Transparent glass allows visible light to pass through it without significant obstruction, and it also allows some infrared radiation to pass, which is a form of heat.

When sunlight strikes a pane of glass, the visible light is transmitted through the glass while some infrared radiation is absorbed and re-radiated as heat. This principle is why glass can feel warm to the touch after being exposed to sunlight, even if the air temperature is lower. Moreover, the transparency of glass does not vary significantly with temperature, so this property remains consistent across a range of conditions.

While some types of glass, such as tinted or reflective glass, may reduce the amount of radiant heat that passes through, standard transparent glass allows radiant heat to transmit relatively freely. This makes it an effective medium for transferring both light and heat in many applications, including buildings where sunlight is utilized for warmth and illumination.