Zusammenfassung der Ressource
Ultraviolet Rays
- Description
- Ultraviolet radiation is produced by
hot objects such as the sun or by the
high temperature sparks produced
during electric welding.
- Ultraviolet rays have less energetic
photons compared to gamma rays and
x-rays and a lower penetration power.
Their effect on humans is therefore limited
to the skin.
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays can cause a
suntan (pigmentation of the skin) and
sunburn. At high levels of exposure
skin cancer can result and damage to
the retina.
- most of the ultraviolet radiation
in sunlight is absorbed by the
oxygen in the ozone layer of the
Earth’s atmosphere.
- Uses
- Ultraviolet has positive effects
on the human body as it
stimulates the production of
vitamin D.
- It is used in the field of
medicine for phototherapy in the
treatment of some skin
disorders.
- Ultraviolet radiations kill microbes
and are used in the sterilisation of
surgical equipment.