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Chapter 6: Problem 4

Speculate as to why UV light causes sunburn, whereas visible light does not.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The main reason why UV light causes sunburn whereas visible light does not is due to their differing energy levels. UV light has higher energy levels than visible light. When UV light is absorbed by skin cells, it causes damage to the cells' DNA structure, leading to inflammation and sunburn. On the other hand, visible light has lower energy levels and does not cause significant damage to skin cells' DNA when absorbed; thus, it does not result in sunburns.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the electromagnetic spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is a diagram illustrating the range of electromagnetic waves, ordered by their wavelengths and frequencies. The spectrum includes waves such as radio waves, microwaves, infrared light, visible light (the colors we can see), ultraviolet (UV) light, X-rays, and gamma rays. The energy of these waves increases along the spectrum, so they become more dangerous for living organisms as we progress through the spectrum.
02

Clarify the difference between UV light and visible light

Ultraviolet (UV) light has shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies than visible light. This translates into higher energy levels for UV light compared to visible light. Unlike visible light, which the human eye can perceive as colors, UV light is invisible to the human eye.
03

Understand how light interacts with skin cells

When light reaches the skin, it can either be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through the skin cells. The specific amount of light absorbed by skin cells depends on the wavelength of the light and the chemical composition of the cells. Molecules known as chromophores within the cells absorb light energy, which can then be converted into heat or other forms of energy.
04

Explain the effect of UV light on skin cells

Because of the higher energy levels of UV light compared to visible light, when UV light is absorbed by skin cells, it can cause damage to the cells' DNA structure. These DNA damages can lead to mutations, which can result in abnormal cell growth and skin cancer if they are not repaired by the body's natural defense mechanisms. Moreover, DNA damage also triggers inflammation, which can cause the redness, pain, and swelling associated with sunburns.
05

Address why visible light doesn't cause sunburn

Visible light, on the other hand, has lower energy levels than UV light. When absorbed by skin cells, visible light doesn't cause significant damage to the cells' DNA structure. As a result, the body's natural defense mechanisms can easily manage this type of light, preventing visible light from causing cell mutations or sunburns. In conclusion, the fundamental reason why UV light causes sunburn, whereas visible light doesn't, is due to the higher energy levels of UV light, which can cause significant damage to skin cells' DNA structure and trigger inflammation that leads to sunburns. Visible light, with its lower energy levels, doesn't induce the same level of damage and therefore doesn't lead to sunburns.

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