Ultraviolet is the light spectrum just outside human visual range, the 'violet' spectra above white. The name means 'beyond violet'. UV waves are shorter than those of visible light, ranging from 10nm to 400nm. (The next class of frequencies are X rays) Energies range from 3eV to 124eV. Some insects and animals can see in this range. Bees use it to locate flowers. The UV frequencies are the ones that cause sunburn. Ultraviolet radiation from the Sun reacts with oxygen to form ozone. |
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