Prepare for the Utah Master Esthetician Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has explanations and hints. Get ready to excel on your test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which type of UV rays is primarily responsible for sunburn?

  1. UVA

  2. UVB

  3. UVC

  4. UVD

The correct answer is: UVB

UVB rays are primarily responsible for causing sunburn. These rays have a shorter wavelength compared to UVA rays and penetrate the skin's outer layer, leading to skin damage and the inflammatory response that characterizes sunburn. UVB radiation is strongest during sunny days and at higher elevations, making it crucial to protect the skin from these rays when outdoors. UVA rays, while they can contribute to skin aging and some forms of skin cancer, penetrate deeper into the skin and are not typically associated with immediate burn effects. UVC rays are largely absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach the surface to impact the skin significantly. The designation of UVD is not commonly recognized in the context of UV radiation, making it irrelevant in this question. Understanding the role of UVB is essential for proper sun protection measures, as it is key to reducing the risk of sunburn and related skin damage.