Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that lies between visible light and X-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum. It has shorter wavelengths than visible light (400–700 nm) and longer wavelengths than X-rays, typically ranging from 10 to 400 nanometers (nm).
Key Characteristics:
- Invisible to the human eye
- Higher energy than visible light
- Can cause chemical reactions, including damage to living tissues
Types of UV Radiation:
- UV-A (315–400 nm): Least energetic, causes skin aging and tanning.
- UV-B (280–315 nm): More energetic, causes sunburn and increases risk of skin cancer.
- UV-C (100–280 nm): Most harmful, but absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer.
Sources:
- Natural: The Sun is the main source of UV radiation.
- Artificial: Tanning beds, black lights, mercury lamps, and UV sterilization devices.
Effects:
- Biological: Helps produce vitamin D but can damage DNA and skin.
- Industrial/Medical Uses: Used for disinfection, detecting forgeries, and phototherapy.