Ultraviolet RadiationAlex Norton

On the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Ultraviolet

Wavelength between 400nm, that of violet light and 15nm, that of X rays.

Ultraviolet literally means “beyond violet”.

Types

Name Wavelength / nm Energy per photon / ev

UV-A 400 - 320 3.10 - 3.94

UV-B 320 - 280 3.94 - 4.43

UV-C 280 - 100 4.43 - 12.4

Generally speaking, the shorter the wavelength, the more dangerous the radiation is.

UV-A

Passes through ordinary glass.

Makes up for 98.7% of the ultraviolet radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface.

UV-B

Positives

Induces vitamin D production.

Negatives

Overexposure