Physics · Electromagnetic spectrum (radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, Gamma rays), applications of electromagnetic waves
To distinguish between real gems and artificial gems a merchant may use which of
To distinguish between real gems and artificial gems a merchant may use which of the following radiations?
- A. Infrared rays
- B. \( \gamma \) -rays
- C. x-rays
- D. Ultraviolet rays
Step-by-step solution
Merchants often use ultraviolet (UV) light to distinguish real gems from artificial ones because natural gemstones exhibit characteristic fluorescence under UV light, while many artificial gems do not fluoresce or fluoresce differently.