Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet radiations are the rays that are obtained in between the position of visible rays and x-rays on the spectrum of electromagnetic waves. The wavelength of these radiations happens to be 10-400 nm. The frequency of these rays is 7.5 × 1014 Hz to 3 × 1016 Hz. As these rays lie outside the visible region of EM waves, they are not visible to naked eyes. Below, we have discussed several characteristics of ultraviolet radiation.

Characteristics of Ultraviolet Radiation

There are certain characteristics of Ultraviolet radiation that differentiate these radiations from others on the EM spectrum. Some of those characteristics are mentioned below.

• These are the ultraviolet radiations that help in the absorption of vitamin D inside the skin.
• These rays are used in the photoelectric processes or to ionise the metals. Bombardment of any metal by these radiations brings out fluorescence in their character.
• Ultraviolet radiations have relatively higher energy compared to visible light because of their higher frequency.
• These are not present in the visible spectrum of light. However, they give a distinct black colour when under the effect of certain operations.
• Sun and very hot bodies happen to be the greatest source of UV radiation.
• These radiations are emergent in the process of electric arc, and specialised protective gear is used to counter these radiations.
• These radiations are used in eye surgeries because of their high frequency and precision.
• The ozone layer can absorb the majority of these radiations in the atmosphere and glass.

What is significant about ultraviolet radiation?

In the electromagnetic spectrum of light, ultraviolet rays are the ones to have a great significance right after the visible rays of light. Other than the studies in the fields of physics, it also helps in complementing our daily lives to a great extent. And some of that many importance of UV rays happen to be as follows:

• UV rays help in the accumulation of vitamin D inside the body. These rays help in the absorption of vitamin D, which is a vitamin necessary for human health.
• UV radiations are used in medical and scientific associations as a means of good disinfectant.
• Ultraviolet lamps are used in high-altitude machinery as a medium of light because of their high effectiveness.
• These radiations are very helpful for skincare, like sun tanning or the removal of skin marks.
• These help increase the longevity of industrial items to a greater extent.
• UV radiations are used for the ageing of food products or sometimes even alcoholic beverages.
• These rays are used in radiation therapy measures to cure skin diseases or for a better examination of diseases that have a direct effect on the skin.
• These rays are used in water treatment plants as a method for the purification of water without the use of chlorine.
• UV sterilisers are used in industries and health institutions for the ability of these rays to be very effective against germs.
• In the food industry, UV radiations help in prolonging the life of eatables. These are also used for sanitation in these industries.

Facts about Ultraviolet Radiation

It is quite common for many people to assume that UV rays are only harmful to the human body. However, the reality is further away from that misbelief. Ultraviolet rays play a surprisingly important part in our everyday life. And some examples of those are as follows:

• Ultraviolet rays are invisible; however, under certain conditions, they can be made visible, as they are present close to the visible spectrum of light.
• Because these are invisible to human sight, UV rays are referred to as blank light or black light.
• The body paints that are made for entertainment purposes are highly effective only under ultraviolet radiation.
• UV rays are the radiations that are used for the detailed analysis or forensics of objects.
• The light-tinged lights in the aquarium or water shows are an effect of ultraviolet radiation.
• Ultraviolet radiations are used for the disinfection of surgical tools before surgeries and are also used as disinfectants on hospital grounds.
• These are used for curing skin problems and have quite significant use in skincare facilities.
• These rays are used to sterilise the air in chemical industries because of their relatively higher frequency.
• The lamps functioning on UV radiations are very efficient and have a large market of their own.
• These radiations are used for the disinfection of food, beverages, and ageing.

Conclusion

Ultraviolet radiations carry huge importance in the lives of living organisms. From human growth to making their lives more efficient, UV rays are something that we have always been dependent upon. The purification of water, air, equipment, and skincare is the greatest UV radiation implementation.