Ultraviolet (T3) Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

Describe ultraviolet…

A
  • found naturally in sunlight
  • we cannot see or feel UV radiation but our skin responds by turning darker
  • this happens as our bodies attempt to reduce the amount of UV reaching deeper skin tissues
  • darker skin absorbs more UV light, so less UV radiation reaches deeper tissues
  • whilst a little is good for you (about 20 mins exposure in a sunny day) too much carries the risk of causing skin cancer
  • overexposure at high altitudes (like when skiing or climbing in the Alps) or any exposure to the light from arc welding will cause a painful condition known as snow blindness, or arc eye
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2
Q

How was ultraviolet discovered?

A
  • following Herschel’s work, John Ritter (1776 - 1810) tried to find invisible rays at the violet end of the spectrum
  • he used silver chloride which turns black when exposed to light
  • the happened fastest when exposed to the visible rays at the violet end of the spectrum
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3
Q

What are the three main types of ultraviolet radiation and their effects

A
  • UV C
  • high frequency
  • causes severe damage to cells
  • UV B
  • high frequency
  • causes severe sunburn and damage to cells
  • UV A
  • low frequency
  • weaker effects than UV B
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4
Q

List four uses of ultraviolet…

A
  • security marking
  • fluorescent lamps
  • detecting forged bank notes
  • disinfecting water
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