What is Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) light?
The light we see with our eyes is really a very small portion of what is called the “Electromagnetic Spectrum.” The Electromagnetic Spectrum includes all types of radiation – from the X-rays used at hospitals, to radio waves used for communication, and even the microwaves you cook food with. Radiation in the Electromagnetic Spectrum is often categorized by wavelength. Short wavelength radiation is of the highest energy and can be very dangerous – Gamma, X-rays and ultraviolet are examples of short wavelength radiation. Longer wavelength radiation is of lower energy and is usually less harmful – examples include radio, microwaves and infrared. A rainbow shows the optical (visible) part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum and infrared (if you could see it) would be located just beyond the red side of the rainbow. Ultraviolet light (UV) is an invisible light that is part of the sun’s radiant spectrum. Exposure to ultraviolet light can cause the lenses of the eye to become cloudy, causing cata
Ultra-violet light is a part of electromagnetic radiation which is shorter than visible light. It is invisible to the human eyes but can be seen by some birds and insects. It causes damage to the skin when exposed to it for a long time.
Infrared or IR light is an electromagnetic radiation which has a longer wavelength than the visible light. It is emitted or absorbed by molecules on change in their rotational or vibrational movements. This property of IR light is used by the infrared illuminators which are used in security cameras.
