I have noticed that there is a UV light inside the tank of our water cooler at work, and was wondering what the benefits of this were, and how they occured.

UV tends to have enough energy ionize many atoms/molecules, which can damage cells. I think the idea is that it kills bacteria in the water.

Is UV very penetrating?

Is UV very penetrating?

 

for bacteria in the water yes... Also for humans, but probably not on the scale that the water cooler is using.

UV light has a far, far, far greater wavelength than X-Rays and Gamma-Rays do. As a result, they are far easier to block and ANY non-transparent substance will block the UV rays. In fact, your sunglasses will block UV rays too.

May I ask how you noticed this UV light?... .....

 

Sorry, disregard. I thought you meant you noticed some UV light of unknown origin penetrating this tank. I didn't realize it was from a part of the tank.

 

My apologies.

UV light has a far, far, far greater wavelength than X-Rays and Gamma-Rays do. As a result, they are far easier to block and ANY non-transparent substance will block the UV rays. In fact, your sunglasses will block UV rays too.

 

Not cheap ones, which is why they are dangerous. They block visible light, making the iris/pupil open up, but let in most of the UV.

The UV is almost certainly for the purpose of killing bacteria in the water. I've seen swimming pools which cycle their water under UV light instead of using chlorine to keep them sterilized. Nifty system.

The UV is almost certainly for the purpose of killing bacteria in the water. I've seen swimming pools which cycle their water under UV light instead of using chlorine to keep them sterilized. Nifty system.

 

I agree killing bacteria, I once stayed in an activity center on the middle of a moor that took it's water from a stream and cleaned it in this way...