Final answer:
UVB light is most associated with sunburns among the different types of UV light. It carries more energy than visible light and is powerful enough to cause cellular damage, resulting in sunburn and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of UV light that is most associated with sunburns is UVB (Ultraviolet B). While UVA light can contribute to the aging of skin and DNA damage, as well as skin cancer in some cases, it does not usually cause sunburn. UVB light, with wavelengths of 280-320 nm, is more harmful and is directly responsible for sunburns and has a significant role in the development of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma. UVB light carries more energy than visible light and can break bonds at the cellular level, leading to damage to skin cells. Commercial sunscreens are made to protect against both UVA and UVB, helping to prevent immediate skin damage and long-term health issues like skin cancer. The thinning of the ozone layer has also led to increased levels of harmful UVB reaching the Earth's surface, exacerbating the risk associated with sun exposure.