Which of the following statements about UV radiation is/are FALSE? (Select all that apply). ?
a. UV B radiation covers a longer wavelength spectrum than UV A radiation.
b. UV B radiation has sufficient energy to break any covalent bond.
c. UV B radiation covers a frequency range of approximately 9.52 x 1014 s-1 to 1.07 x 1015 s-1.
d. UV C radiation is lower energy radiation than UV B radiation.
e. UV A radiation has a frequency greater than X-radiation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraviolet
To determine which of the statements about UV radiation are false, we need to analyze each statement and verify its accuracy.
a. UV B radiation covers a longer wavelength spectrum than UV A radiation.
To determine if this statement is true or false, we need to compare the wavelength ranges of UV B and UV A radiation. UV B radiation typically covers a wavelength range of 280 to 315 nanometers, while UV A radiation covers a wavelength range of 315 to 400 nanometers. Based on this information, we can conclude that UV A radiation covers a longer wavelength spectrum than UV B radiation. Therefore, statement a is FALSE.
b. UV B radiation has sufficient energy to break any covalent bond.
To determine the accuracy of this statement, we need to understand the energy required to break covalent bonds. While UV B radiation possesses higher energy compared to UV A radiation, it is not sufficient to break any covalent bond. Certain covalent bonds, particularly those within strong and stable molecules, require much higher energy levels (e.g., X-ray or gamma radiation) to be broken. Therefore, statement b is FALSE.
c. UV B radiation covers a frequency range of approximately 9.52 x 10^14 s-1 to 1.07 x 10^15 s-1.
To verify the accuracy of this statement, we need to convert the given frequencies into the corresponding wavelength range. UV B radiation typically covers a wavelength range of 280 to 315 nanometers. Using the speed of light (c = 3 x 10^8 m/s) and the formula λν = c, we can calculate the frequency range based on the given wavelength range. Converting nanometers to meters (1 nm = 10^-9 m), we find that the frequency range for UV B radiation is approximately 9.52 x 10^14 s-1 to 1.07 x 10^15 s-1. Therefore, statement c is TRUE.
d. UV C radiation is lower energy radiation than UV B radiation.
To determine the accuracy of this statement, we need to compare the energy levels of UV C and UV B radiation. UV C radiation possesses higher energy compared to UV B radiation due to its shorter wavelength. UV C radiation ranges from 100 to 280 nanometers, which is shorter than the wavelength range of UV B radiation. Therefore, statement d is FALSE.
e. UV A radiation has a frequency greater than X-radiation.
To determine the accuracy of this statement, we need to compare the frequencies of UV A radiation and X-radiation. X-radiation (X-rays) possesses higher frequency compared to UV A radiation. X-radiation typically falls within the range of 10^16 to 10^19 Hz (hertz). In comparison, the frequency range for UV A radiation is approximately 10^15 to 10^16 Hz. Therefore, statement e is FALSE.
In summary, the false statements about UV radiation are a (UV B radiation covers a longer wavelength spectrum than UV A radiation), b (UV B radiation has sufficient energy to break any covalent bond), d (UV C radiation is lower energy radiation than UV B radiation), and e (UV A radiation has a frequency greater than X-radiation).