Ultraviolet light causes damage to your skin while infrared light does not because
A) ultraviolet light has a longer wavelength than infrared light.
B) ultraviolet light has more photons than infrared light.
C) a photon of ultraviolet light carries much more energy than a photon of infrared light.
D) ultraviolet light is more intense than infrared light.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A photon of ultraviolet light carries much more energy than a photon of infrared light, which allows it to break chemical bonds in the skin, leading to damage such as sunburn or even skin cancer. The energy of a photon is inversely proportional to its wavelength; thus, the shorter wavelength of ultraviolet light compared to infrared means its photons have more energy.

Ultraviolet Light Causes Damage to Your Skin While Infrared Light