water.
Visible and ultraviolet light is capable of
altering the orbits of electrons bound in
molecules, and so can initiate chemical
reactions that cause damage to pigments
and fats and the development of stale,
rancid flavors. Visible and ultraviolet
rays from the sun can ruin the flavor of
milk and beer, and ultraviolet rays can
burn our skin, damage our DNA, and
cause cancer.
X and gamma rays penetrate matter and
ionize it, or strip electrons from its
molecules. Along with controlled beams
of certain subatomic particles, they
damage DNA and kill microbes, and are
used to “cold-pasteurize” and sterilize
some foods.Useful Heat Radiation Is Generated by
High Temperatures Because all molecules
are vibrating to some extent, everything