Infrared vs. Ultraviolet — What's the Difference?

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than those of visible light, typically from 700 nm to 1 mm.

Ultraviolet rays are responsible for causing sunburns.

Infrared saunas use IR radiation to heat the body directly without warming the air around you.

Ultraviolet astronomy explores celestial phenomena in UV wavelengths.

Infrared astronomy deals with the observation of celestial objects in infrared wavelengths.

Ultraviolet fluorescence is a method used in forensic science to detect substances invisible to the eye.

Heat emitted from the human body is mostly in the infrared spectrum.

UV radiation is divided into three bands: UVA, UVB, and UVC, with UVC being the most harmful.

Infrared is often used in communication devices like remote controls.

A type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays.

Infrared (IR), sometimes called infrared light, is electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with wavelengths longer than those of visible light. It is therefore invisible to the human eye.

Ultraviolet (UV) is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelength from 10 nm (with a corresponding frequency around 30 PHz) to 400 nm (750 THz), shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays. UV radiation is present in sunlight, and constitutes about 10% of the total electromagnetic radiation output from the Sun.

Of or relating to electromagnetic radiation between microwaves and red visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum, having frequencies between 300 gigahertz and 400 terahertz and wavelengths between 1 millimeter and 750 nanometers.

Of or relating to electromagnetic radiation between violet visible light and x-rays in the electromagnetic spectrum, having frequencies between 790 terahertz and 30 petahertz and wavelengths between 380 nanometers and 10 nanometers.

Generating, using, or sensitive to infrared radiation.

Of or relating to a light bulb that emits ultraviolet radiation.

Infrared light or the infrared part of the spectrum.

The ultraviolet range of electromagnetic radiation

(uncountable) The electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength longer than visible light, but shorter than microwave radiation, having a wavelength between 700 nm and 1 mm.

Of electromagnetic radiation beyond (higher in frequency than) light visible to the human eye; radiation with wavelengths from 380 nanometre - 10 nanometre

(countable) A specific wavelength in this range.

Ultraviolet colour.

(countable) A device that emits infrared radiation.

Lying outside the visible spectrum at its blue-violet end; - said of light more refrangible (i. e. having a shorter wavelength) than the extreme violet rays of the visible spectrum. Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than those of ultrviolet light are not usually considered as light waves, but are classified differently. The ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum is generally considered as comprising those electromagnetic emissions with wavelengths lying between those of visible light and those of X-rays, i. e. between 4000 Angstroms and 100 Angstroms.

Having a wavelength in the infrared spectrum.

Radiation lying in the ultraviolet range; wave lengths shorter than light but longer than X rays

Lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end; - said of rays having a longer wavelength (and thus less refrangible) than the extreme red rays, specifically those electromagnetic waves having a wavelength of between 700 nanometers and 1 millimeter.

Having or employing wavelengths shorter than light but longer than X-rays; lying outside the visible spectrum at its violet end;

Relating to, using, or producing infrared radiation.

Affected by infrared radiation; as, infrared detector; infrared film.

The infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum; electromagnetic wave frequencies below the visible range;

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than radio waves

Having or employing wavelengths longer than light but shorter than radio waves; lying outside the visible spectrum at its red end;

No, infrared light is beyond the visible spectrum and cannot be seen by human eyes, though it can be felt as heat.

Prolonged exposure to intense infrared radiation can cause heat damage, but ordinary exposure, such as from household appliances, is generally safe.

Ultraviolet light is commonly used for disinfection, curing of paints and resins, and in medical therapies.

Infrared light has longer wavelengths and is primarily associated with heat, whereas ultraviolet light, with shorter wavelengths, is known for its energy capable of causing chemical reactions and damage to living tissues.

Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin damage, eye injuries, and contribute to skin cancer due to its high energy photons that can penetrate tissues and damage DNA.

Ultraviolet light can kill or inactivate microorganisms by damaging their DNA, making it a chemical-free method to purify drinking water.

Infrared heaters emit infrared radiation that directly heats objects and people in its path without warming the air, making them efficient for targeted heating.

Some animals, like snakes, have organs that detect infrared radiation, helping them to sense warm-blooded prey even in complete darkness.

Protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended to guard against the harmful effects of UV radiation, particularly if one is outdoors or exposed to artificial UV sources for extended periods.

Near-infrared (NIR) has the shortest wavelengths and is closest to visible light, mid-infrared (MIR) is used primarily for sensing applications, and far-infrared (FIR) is used for thermal detection and imaging.

Infrared is used in communication systems such as remote controls for TVs and other devices, where IR LEDs emit light that is modulated to carry information to a receiver.

Yes, infrared technology is used in healthcare for various diagnostic (like thermography for detecting inflammation) and therapeutic purposes (such as infrared therapy to improve circulation).

Ultraviolet light can have both beneficial and harmful effects on plants; it can hinder growth by damaging DNA and proteins, but also plays a role in plant morphology and chemical production.

The ozone layer in Earth’s atmosphere absorbs and scatters the majority of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation, particularly the most dangerous UVB and UVC rays, protecting living organisms.

Materials like window glass, certain plastics, and clothing treated with UV-blocking substances can effectively prevent ultraviolet light from passing through.