2006-12-15 18:59:09 · 7 answers · asked by Lai Yu Zeng 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
UV yes, but only the UV-C band with wavelengths shorter than 300 nanometres. The UV causes dimerization of Thymine, a DNA base and prevents replication.
IR no. Experiments with a very intense synchrotron source of IR radiation (Holman et al) proved that the only effect on bacteria is to raise their temperature by 2 degrees. IR spectroscopy can be used to study bacteria and even to classify bacteria by species.
2006-12-15 19:36:29 · answer #1 · answered by d/dx+d/dy+d/dz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength and therefore higher energy than infrared, so it is more effective. However, infrared is another name for heat, and enough of that will kill anything too (but you wouldn't want to use either method if the bacteria are inside your body).
2006-12-15 21:01:49 · answer #2 · answered by hznfrst 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can kill but we have ozone layer so the ultra voilet rays cannot reach to the ground.
2006-12-15 19:11:00 · answer #3 · answered by dabbu a 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it can it get rid of bacteria in foods it in the test to do more not to long from now we may get a dose of ultraviotet to get rid of the flu like on startrak
2006-12-15 19:06:57 · answer #4 · answered by rocketman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They say so, also cooking in acids like orange juice or balsamic vinegar .
2006-12-15 19:07:09 · answer #5 · answered by kate 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
UV are very good, not IR
2006-12-15 19:03:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes.you can buy light bulbs for this purpose.
2006-12-15 19:03:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋