Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Ultraviolet radiation refers to a type of electromagnetic radiation that has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than visible light. It is commonly found in sunlight and can cause sunburns and skin damage.
Infrared radiation is another type of electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light. It is often associated with heat and can be felt as warmth.
Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that our eyes can detect. It includes all the colors we see in everyday life.
Ionizing radiation: Ionizing radiation refers to any form of radiation that has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, leading to ionization. This includes ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.