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Sunblock: SPF Ratings

By Janice VanCleave

Question: What effect do SPF numbers on sunblock lotions have on their effectiveness of filtering UV radiation? Answer: You can discover this answer for yourself, but Do not use your skin to test the effectiveness of SPF numbers! Instead, use solar active materials. I have found several materials on the Solar Active website that can […]

Filed Under: Physics, Science Projects Tagged With: energy. electromagnetic energy, SPF, sunblock, UV radiation

UV Detecting Beads

By Janice VanCleave

Beads with a special dye that changes color when exposed to UV light, but reverts back to orgiginal color when UV light is removed.

Pony beads that contain dye molecules that changes from white to a specific color when exposed to ultraviolet light are called UV Bead or photochromic beads.   Ultraviolet radiation (also called UV light) is a type of  light energy also called electromagnetic radiation. The only light energy that can be seen is called “visible light.” […]

Filed Under: Physics Tagged With: Solar Beads, UV radiation

Phosphors

By Janice VanCleave

Question: Why do scorpions glow under a black light? Answers: The scorpion has phosphors in its exoskeleton. A  phosphor is a term used to describe any substance that can absorbs UV radiation and release visible light. Both UV radiation (light) and visible light are forms of electromagnetic radiation-EMR. The UV light has much higher energy […]

Filed Under: Biology, Physics Tagged With: EMR, fluorescent, phposphors, UV radiation

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Welcome to Janice’s Science Extravaganza!

The spoon hanging from the string vibrates when struck and these vibrations are transmitted through the string and the sound is amplified by the plastic cups. ABOUT ME: Hi, I am Janice VanCleave, author of 50 best-selling science experiment books for children ages 4 through high school. I taught science for 27 years. MORE.....

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