What is the range of wavelengths that UV rays fall within?

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that fall within a specific range of wavelengths. The correct range for UV rays is from 100 to 400 nanometers. This spectrum can be further divided into three categories: UVA (320-400 nm), UVB (280-320 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm).

Understanding this range is essential in various fields, including microbiology, as UV light is often used for its germicidal properties, effectively inactivating microorganisms by damaging their DNA. The wavelengths shorter than 100 nm fall into the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) spectrum, while those longer than 400 nm are classified as visible light and do not possess the same microbial inactivation capabilities as UV rays. Thus, the range of 100 to 400 nanometers specifically identifies UV radiation's effectiveness, making it critical in applications ranging from sterilization methods in laboratories to the understanding of sun exposure effects on human health.