The Effects of Ultraviolet Waves

960 Words2 Pages

Electromagnetic Waves essay

Radiation is the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles; an example of radiation is, electromagnetic radiation.This is a form of radiant energy which travels through space via electromagnetic waves. These waves can be found in the electromagnetic spectrum. This is the range of all possible frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.The range of waves in the electromagnetic spectrum range from radio waves, to gamma rays, the waves in the middle consists of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet waves. In this spectrum frequency and wavelength play a big part on which kind of wave is present. At different frequencies, (the amount of waves per second) and wavelength ,( the length of the wave measured from peak to peak) there are different waves, as these factors change so does the property of the wave. In this essay I will be talking about ultraviolet radiation.

In this diagram you can see the electromagnetic spectrum. It shows the different types of waves. It also goes on to show the wavelength of the waves, as the wave length changes so do the properties of the wave.

The sun emits several types of radiation, most of radiation reaches the earth's surface. Warmth from the sun comes from infrared radiation. While the light and colours we distinguish is caused by visible radiation. Infrared and visible radiation are not harmful under ordinary circumstances. The higher energy part of the spectrum is ultraviolet radiation, a known carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). Both UVA and UVB radiation from the ultraviolet radiation reach the earth's surface. Exposure to either increases your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. UVC radiation (also part of ultraviolet radi...

... middle of paper ...

...n D has an important use, creating strong bones to aid the body from breaks and fractures, also from diseases like Rickets and Osteomalacia. “Rickets and Osteomalacia are similar diseases, with the latter affecting young children whereas Rickets affects adults. They are both horrible diseases. The effects of both diseases are irreversible, and to contract either of these two diseases a person must suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency.” (Ultraviolet Waves) Therefore, to prevent this, Vitamin D is essential.

Though large amount of ultraviolet radiation is not healthy, however, when considering that it gives out Vitamin D we should be able to stay out in the sun for a little while. Nevertheless, when planning to stay out for a long time while the sun is shining do not forget to protect yourself! The more ultraviolet radiation in your body, the more danger on your skin.

More about The Effects of Ultraviolet Waves

Open Document