Which type of electromagnetic radiation was discovered by Johann Wilhelm Ritter in 1801?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

SSC CHSL Exam 2024 Tier-I Official Paper (Held On: 08 Jul, 2024 Shift 2)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Ultraviolet rays.

Key Points

Johann Wilhelm Ritter discovered ultraviolet (UV) radiation in 1801.
He identified it while experimenting with silver chloride and observing that it darkened when exposed to light beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum.
This marked the first discovery of electromagnetic radiation beyond the visible spectrum.
Types of UV Rays: UV radiation is categorized into three types based on wavelength:
- UVA (320-400 nm): These rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are associated with skin aging and long-term skin damage.
- UVB (290-320 nm): These rays are primarily responsible for sunburn and play a significant role in developing skin cancer.
- UVC (100-290 nm): These rays are the most harmful but are mostly absorbed by the Earth's ozone layer and do not reach the surface.

Additional Information

Type	Wavelength Range	Common Sources	Applications	Health Effects
X-rays	0.01 to 10 nm	X-ray tubes, radioactive materials	Medical imaging, industrial inspections	Increased cancer risk with excessive exposure
Infrared	700 nm to 1 mm	Sun, heat lamps, thermal cameras	Remote controls, night vision, heating	Generally safe; excessive heat can cause burns
Gamma Rays	< 0.01 nm	Radioactive decay, cosmic events	Cancer treatment, sterilization, imaging	High risk; can cause significant biological damage