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Chapter 8: Problem 27

A heat lamp is designed to keep food and other things warm. Would it also make a good tanning lamp? Why or why not?

Short Answer

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Step by step solution

01

Understand heat lamp and tanning lamp

A heat lamp is designed to keep food and other objects warm, producing heat through its radiation, which is primarily in the infrared spectrum. Tanning lamps, on the other hand, are specifically designed to emit ultraviolet (UV) light, which causes the skin to produce melanin, a pigment that protects the skin and provides a tanned appearance.
02

Compare their functionality

Start by comparing the main functions of the heat lamp and tanning lamp. Since a heat lamp primarily emits infrared radiation, its function is to provide heat. A tanning lamp, on the other hand, mainly emits ultraviolet radiation, which is responsible for causing the skin to tan.
03

Consider the requirements for tanning

To achieve a tan, a lamp needs to emit a specific type of ultraviolet radiation - either UVA or UVB. UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and causes immediate tanning, while UVB radiation is more responsible for sunburn and long-term skin damage. Effective tanning lamps should have an appropriate balance between UVA and UVB rays to achieve a tan without causing excessive damage to the skin.
04

Analyze the difference in radiation emitted by heat and tanning lamps

A heat lamp's primary emission is in the infrared spectrum, with only a small amount of visible and ultraviolet radiation. However, the ultraviolet radiation emitted by a heat lamp is not of the specific type needed for tanning and is not strong or concentrated enough to cause a tan.
05

Determine if a heat lamp can work as a tanning lamp

Taking into account the differences in radiation types and the requirements for tanning, it becomes clear that a heat lamp would not make a good tanning lamp. Its infrared radiation is not suitable for tanning, and the minimal amount of ultraviolet radiation it does emit is not sufficient to generate a tanned appearance on the skin without exposing it to excessive amounts of infrared radiation, causing potential harm.

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