ULTRAVIOLET WAVES
brandon, dylan, alexis, alex
Description
Wavelength: 10m to 380m
Frequency: 30Hz to 800Hz
Velocity in vacuum: 186,000m/s
Other Key facts
1. High amounts of UV lights causes temporary clouding of the cornea called "snow-blindness."
2. UV induces production of vitamin D.
3. Apple juice is treated with UV light to reduce the levels of microbial pathogens.
Interesting Article
The sun radiates energy through wavelengths, which are mostly visible to human eyes. The more energy in a radiation, the shorter the wavelength and a greater potential for harm. Radiation at the longer UV wavelengths of 320-400 nm, called UV-A plays a helpful role in forming Vitamin D by the skin and plays a harmful role at the same time by burning our skin and giving our eyes cataracts. The amount of UV light we receive is determined by the ozone layer. Scientists are scared because the ozone is being depleted. If the ozone were to decrease at lower latitudes, southern cities would experience a greater absolute increase in UV-B than cities in the north for the same amount of ozone depletion. Living organisms at high elevations are generally exposed to more solar radiation and with it, more UV-B than organisms at low elevations. Scientists are studying the amount of UV light in our atmosphere and there are concerns for the future generations.
Pictures
Health Effects
Too much UV radiation results in acute and chronic health effects on the skin, eye, and immune system. Sunburn and skin cancer are common effects of too much UV radiation.
Everyday applications
- Vitamin D
- UV "curing"