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- DictionaryUl·tra·vi·o·let/ˌəltrəˈvī(ə)lət/
adjective
- 1. (of electromagnetic radiation) having a wavelength shorter than that of the violet end of the visible spectrum but longer than that of X-rays.
noun
- 1. the ultraviolet part of the spectrum; ultraviolet radiation.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths of 10–400 nanometers, shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays. UV radiation is present in sunlight, and constitutes about 10% of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the Sun.
Apr 3, 2024 · Learn about ultraviolet radiation, the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between visible light and X-rays. Find out how it affects the human body, the environment, and various applications.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- What is ultraviolet radiation?Ultraviolet radiation is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum extending from the violet, or short-wavelength, end of the visible light range...
- How is ultraviolet radiation produced?Ultraviolet radiation is produced by high-temperature surfaces, such as the Sun’s, in a continuous spectrum and by atomic excitation in a gaseous d...
- Can humans see ultraviolet radiation?No, ultraviolet radiation is undetectable by the human eye. Many insects, however, are able to see ultraviolet radiation.
- What is ultraviolet radiation used for?Ultraviolet radiation is useful as both a research tool and a sterilizing technique. It can also be used in fluorescent lamps, which are a more ene...
- Can ultraviolet radiation cause cancer?The three basic skin cancers, basal- and squamous-cell carcinoma and melanoma, have been linked to long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation and...
Mar 9, 2016 · Learn about the types, sources, effects and protection of UV radiation from the World Health Organization. Find out how ozone depletion, season, time, altitude, clouds and reflection affect your UV exposure and risk of skin cancer.
- What is UV?Everyone is exposed to UV radiation from the sun and an increasing number of people are exposed to artificial sources used in industry, commerce an...
- Is there a connection between ozone depletion and UV radiation?Ozone is a particularly effective absorber of UV radiation. As the ozone layer gets thinner, the protective filter activity of the atmosphere is pr...
- Which environmental factors affect a person's UV exposure?Time of year and time of day UV levels vary mainly with the height of the sun in the sky and in mid-latitudes are highest during the summer months...
Aug 10, 2016 · Learn about ultraviolet (UV) light, its sources, effects, and applications in astronomy and Earth science. See images and videos of UV waves from the Sun, stars, galaxies, and aurorae.
- 4 min
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What is ultraviolet radiation?
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Learn about the different regions and effects of UV light, a type of electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light. Find out how Earth's atmosphere shields us from the most harmful UV radiation and how UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C affect our health and environment.
Nov 16, 2022 · Learn how ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds can cause skin cancer and other skin problems. Find out how to prevent and treat skin cancer and protect your skin from UV exposure.
ultraviolet radiation, Portion of the electromagnetic spectrum extending from the violet end of visible light to the X-ray region. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation lies between wavelengths of about 400 nanometres and 10 nanometres, corresponding to frequencies of 7.5 × 10 14 Hz to 3 × 10 16 Hz.
