The ultraviolet spectrum can be divided into three regions based on wavelength: UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (100–280 nm). (a) Photons from which region have the highest energy and therefore are the most harmful to living tissue? (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (100–280 nm).

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Hey everyone in this example, we're told that nitrogen oxygen in the atmosphere help absorb which regions in the ultraviolet spectrum. So we need to figure out what those regions are looking at. Answer choices A and B. We have a pretty wide range is for choices A. And B. And these rangers have units of nanometers. So we can say that these are longer wavelengths because we recall that wavelength is measured in nanometers absorbed bye 03, which is our formula for ozone. So we would automatically rule out choices A. And B. Because we recall that these wavelengths are absorbed by ozone. Now we see answer choice C. Says UV C. Which corresponds to the range 100 to 280 nanometers, which we can see is much shorter wavelengths that are absorbed by atmospheric nitrogen gas and oxygen gas. So because we know that A. And B. Are not included because they're absorbed by ozone, we can rule out choice D. Meaning that choice C. Is the only correct choice to complete this example as the regions that nitrogen and oxygen gas absorbs in the ultraviolet spectrum. So I hope that everything I explained was clear. If you have any questions, leave them down below and I will see everyone in the next practice video

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Key Concepts

Photon Energy and Wavelength

Ultraviolet Radiation Regions

Biological Effects of UV Radiation