What is the UV Light - What is UV light??

UV Ultraviolet light is a form of electromagnetic radiation It has a wavelength shorter than that of visible light which makes it invisible to the naked eye although it can be detected via its effects on various substances It is named ultraviolet beyond violet because it is located just beyond violet on the electromagnetic spectrum Ultraviolet radiation has the ability to alter chemical bonds in molecules which can cause chemical reactions and it also causes many substances to fluoresce or glow Common effects of exposure to UV light include the degradation of polymers pigments and dyes UV radiation degrades the chain structure of polymers which can cause a loss of strength and can result in discolouration and cracking It is also absorbed by many pigments and dyes which can cause them to change colour UV light is found naturally in sunlight and is also emitted by man-made sources including tanning booths black lights curing lamps mercury lamps halogen lights discharge lamps fluorescent and incandescent lights electric arcs used in welders and plasma torches and UV lasers

Glossary

Fluorescent - What does fluorescent mean?

Definition of FLUORESCENT:

A property of materials defined as the ability to emit light after absorbing electromagnetic radiation such as visible or UV light. The emitted light usually has a longer wavelength than the absorbed radiation; this is clearly seen is one of the most common examples of fluorescence, when UV light (that is invisible to the human eye) is absorbed and then emitted as visible light. It has a number of practical applications including mineralogy, gemology, geology, chemical analysis, medical tests and research, forensics, security stamps or markers, fluorescent lighting, and LED lamps. As these materials reflect visible light and emit long wavelength light together, they can also be used as extremely vivid and strong colourants to be displayed either in natural light or under UV lighting or black lighting (which will cause these materials to fluoresce and be perceived by the human eye as having a “glow”). This makes these materials ideal for uses such as high visibility clothing, decorative paints, and warning signs.

In labelling, fluorescent materials can be used to make coatings and face materials or as a component of fluorescent inks; they are chosen primarily for their high visibility and/or their decorative finish, but can also be used to print security labels.

A table spattered with fluorescent paint; there are pots and buckets containing fluorescent paint on the table, along with a paintbrush.

Here is the Harvard-style citation to use if you would like to reference this definition of the word fluorescent:
Label Planet (2020) What does fluorescent mean? | Fluorescent Definition. Available at: https://www.labelplanet.co.uk/glossary/fluorescent/ (Accessed: January 1, 2024).

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