Ultraviolet and visible light are both parts of the electromagnetic spectrum - AQA - GCSE Physics - Question 5 - 2022 - Paper 1

Ultraviolet: D Visible light: C

Calculating the ranges:

• UVA: 400 - 315 = 85 nm
• UVB: 315 - 280 = 35 nm
• UVC: 280 - 100 = 180 nm

Thus, the type of ultraviolet with the largest range of wavelengths is UVC.

The ozone layer serves a critical protective function by absorbing various types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Specifically, it absorbs all of the most dangerous UVC radiation.

UVC is the most harmful type of ultraviolet, and the ozone layer effectively blocks it, preventing it from reaching the Earth's surface. Similarly, the ozone layer absorbs about 95% of UVB radiation, which has medium risk associated with it. Although some UVA radiation can penetrate the ozone, it has the least potential for harm.

By filtering out the more dangerous UVC and a significant portion of UVB, the ozone layer plays a key role in reducing health risks such as skin cancer and damage to the eyes, thus safeguarding human health and the environment.

If visible light were completely absorbed by the ozone layer, it would result in darkness, making it impossible for plants to grow.

When white light is incident on the filter, only blue light is transmitted and all other colours of light are absorbed.