What type of radiation is ultraviolet light classified as?

Ultraviolet (UV) light is classified as electromagnetic radiation, which consists of waves of electric and magnetic fields that travel through space. The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses a range of radiation types, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

UV light specifically falls between visible light and X-rays in this spectrum, characterized by its shorter wavelengths than visible light but longer than X-rays. This classification is significant because it defines how UV light interacts with matter, its energy levels, and its biological effects, such as its capacity to cause sunburn or skin damage due to its higher energy compared to visible light.

In contrast, acoustic radiation involves the propagation of sound waves through different mediums, which is fundamentally different from how electromagnetic waves, including ultraviolet light, travel. Particulate radiation refers to radiation that consists of particles, such as alpha and beta particles, which is also not applicable to UV light. Finally, thermal radiation pertains to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by all bodies based on their temperatures, typically related to infrared light rather than UV. Hence, categorizing ultraviolet light as electromagnetic radiation accurately captures its physical nature and positioning within the broader electromagnetic spectrum.