Which of the following is a common use for ultraviolet (UV) radiation?

• A. Cooking food in a microwave oven
• B. Sterilizing medical equipment
• C. Transmitting radio broadcasts
• D. Producing X-ray images

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the electromagnetic spectrum and the position of ultraviolet (UV) radiation within it. UV radiation has wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays.
2. Recall the common applications of UV radiation, which include its ability to kill or deactivate microorganisms due to its high energy.
3. Compare the options given: cooking food in a microwave oven uses microwave radiation, transmitting radio broadcasts uses radio waves, and producing X-ray images uses X-rays.
4. Recognize that sterilizing medical equipment is a common use of UV radiation because UV light can destroy bacteria and viruses effectively without using heat or chemicals.
5. Conclude that the correct use of UV radiation from the options provided is sterilizing medical equipment.