Ultraviolet (UV) Rays : Definition, Properties, Uses and Harmful Effects

Ultraviolet Rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between 10nm to 400nm. Ultraviolet rays are generated by the Sun. The abbreviation of UV stands for Ultraviolet Rays. The wavelength of UV light is shorter than the wavelength of visible light. In this article, we will look into the definition, properties, application, types, uses, and harmful effects of UV rays on living beings.

What are Ultraviolet (UV) Rays?

UV Rays or light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that belongs to the electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelength of UV light is shorter than the wavelength of visible light, which is why it is not visible to human beings with the naked eye. The wavelength of UV light is higher than the wavelength of X-rays. Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength. So, UV light’s frequency is higher than visible light’s.

The frequency of UV light ranges from 800 Terahertz to 30 petahertz. The wavelength of UV rays ranges between 10nm to 400nm (nanometers). UV light is generated by both natural and man-made sources. The main natural source of UV light is the Sun. Man-made sources that emit UV light are mercury lamps, black lights, welding torches, etc.

Ultraviolet Light Examples

High-temperature surfaces produce ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation. There are many sources of UV light such as Sunlight, Black lights, UV lamps, fluorescent lights, tanning beds, UV inks, UV LEDs, etc. The natural source of UV light/rays is the Sun. There are several artificial sources of UV light such as tanning beds, mercury vapor lighting, halogens, fluorescent lamps, and some types of lasers.

Properties of Ultraviolet Rays

The following are the properties of Ultraviolet Rays:

• UV light belongs to Electromagnetic spectrum.
• Due to its shorter wavelength it is not visible to human eyes.
• UV light is visible to some of the insects.
• UV light is produced during welding processes.
• Wavelength of UV light: 10nm to 400nm.
• Frequency of UV light: 800 Terahertz to 30 Petahertz.
• UV light has enough energy to ionize atoms and molecules.

Types of UV Rays

UV light, emitted by sun is classified into three types based on its wavelength. All three categories are mentioned below:

Ultraviolet A (UVA)

• Most of the UV rays that reaches the earth’s surface is of UVA type.
• UVA rays is one of main reason for causing skin cancer.
• UVA rays causes skin ageing.
• UVA rays penetrate more deeply in the skin.
• UVA rays are affected by ozone.

Ultraviolet B (UVB)

• These are the UV rays that reaches on earth surface.
• UVB rays are responsible for producing sunburn.
• UVB rays are also responsible for causing skin cancer.
• UVB rays are highly affected by ozone.

Ultraviolet C (UVC)

• These rays do not reache on the earth surface.
• These rays are absorbed by nitrogen, ozone and oxygen present in atmosphere.

5 Uses of Ultraviolet Rays

The following are the 5 uses of Ultraviolet Rays:

• UV rays are used for disinfecting air, water and surfaces.
• UV rays are used to kill harmful microorganism in water in UV water purification system.
• UV light is used in medical setting for sterilizing equipment, surfaces, and even in operating rooms and other healthcare facilities.
• UV rays are used in fluorescent lamps to produce visible light.
• UV rays are used in certain manufacturing processes, such as the curing or polymerization of adhesives, coatings, and inks.

5 Harmful Effects of UV Radiation on Humans

Some harmful effects of UV rays are mentioned below :

• Skin ageing is caused by UV light.
• Sunburn is caused by harmful UV light.
• Skin Cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure.
• UV rays can lead to many serious health issues.
• UV exposure increases the risk of blinding eye disease.
• Tanning of skin is caused by exposure of UV rays.

FAQs – Ultraviolet Rays

1. What are the 3 types of UV rays?

UV radiation, emitted by sun is classified into three types based on its wavelength. The three types of UV radiation are ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), ultraviolet C (UVC). UVA and UVB radiation reach on earth surface. UVC does not reache on earth surface.

2. Is it UV or Ultraviolet Rays?

Both UV and ultraviolet rays are same. The abbreviation of UV stands for Ultraviolet Rays. UV rays is a type of electromagnetic radiation which belong to electromagnetic spectrum. The wavelength of UV light is shorter than wavelength of visible lights, that’s why it is not visible by human beings with naked eyes.

3. Why is Ultraviolet UV radiation harmful?

UV rays are harmful because it can damage living tissues and cells. UV radiation is a major cause of skin damage. UV radiation has the potential to cause damage to the DNA within skin cells. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause damage to the eyes.

4. What is Ultraviolet Used for?

UV light is used in forensic investigations to detect bodily fluids, stains, and other evidence that may not be visible under regular light. UV light is used in medical setting for sterilizing equipment, surfaces, and even air in operating rooms and other healthcare facilities. UV rays are used in fluorescent lamps to produce visible light.

5. Which UV rays Cause Cancer?

UVA and UVB rays both cause cancer. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays. UVA rays are associated with premature aging of the skin, causing wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn. UVB radiation damages the DNA in the outermost layers of the skin.