Final answer:
If ultraviolet light has more energy than regular, visible light, it must also have a shorter wavelength. The high energy of UV light can cause DNA damage in skin cells, leading to skin cancer. Protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing are essential to limit exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a person spends too much time in the sun, they can get skin cancer. This is because the sun emits Ultraviolet (UV) light, which has more energy than regular, visible light. If ultraviolet light has more energy, it must also have a shorter wavelength. The energy of light is inversely proportional to its wavelength, according to the equation E = hc/λ, where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and λ is the wavelength. Therefore, as the wavelength decreases, the energy increases. This higher energy is significant because it allows UV light to damage the DNA in skin cells, which can lead to skin cancer. Excessive exposure to UV light increases the risk of skin cancer, which makes it essential to protect oneself by using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and limiting time spent under direct sunlight. It's important to be cautious even on cloudy days, as UV radiation can penetrate clouds and still cause skin damage.