UV light is what kind of radiation?

• A. Electromagnetic
• B. Electromechanical
• C. Thermal
• D. Nuclear

Answer: (B)

UV light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. It travels as oscillating electric and magnetic fields and does not require a medium to move, occupying the part of the spectrum between visible light and X-rays with wavelengths roughly from 10 to 400 nanometers. It isn’t a mechanical energy form, nor is it heat energy in itself, though it can cause heating when absorbed. It isn’t nuclear radiation, which comes from processes in atomic nuclei. In wastewater treatment, UV disinfection uses UV-C light to inactivate pathogens, showing that UV energy acts as electromagnetic radiation to affect microorganisms.