A form
of ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION, shorter in
wavelength than visible light. Ultraviolet
wavelengths range between about 1 nm
and 400 nm. Ordinary glasses are not
transparent to these waves; quartz is a
much more effective material for making
lenses and prisms for use with ultraviolet.
Like light, ultraviolet radiation is produced
by electronic transitions between the outer
energy levels of atoms. However, having a
higher frequency, ultraviolet photons carry
more energy than those of light and can induce photolysis of compounds.
危険性
Dangerous to eyes, overexposure causes
severe skin burns (sunburn).
