Question map
Which one of the following statements with regard to ultra violet light is NOT correct?
Explanation
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of electromagnetic radiation, which means it is an electromagnetic wave [4]. Like all electromagnetic waves, UV light is a transverse wave, not a longitudinal wave [4]. In transverse waves, the electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, whereas longitudinal waves (like sound) oscillate parallel to it [4]. UV light can travel through a vacuum at the speed of light, approximately 300 million meters per second, as it does not require a medium for propagation. Furthermore, the ultraviolet spectrum is located between visible light and X-rays; consequently, its wavelength (ranging from approximately 10 nm to 400 nm) is shorter than that of visible light. Therefore, the statement claiming it is a longitudinal wave is incorrect.
Sources
- [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/electromagnetic-wave
- [4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/physics-and-astronomy/ultraviolet-radiation