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Which UV ray is primarily responsible for sunburn?

  1. UVA

  2. UVB

  3. UVC

  4. None of the above

The correct answer is: UVB

UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn. These rays penetrate the outer layer of the skin and are most intense during the summer months and at higher altitudes. UVB radiation directly affects the skin and is known to cause the redness, inflammation, and pain associated with sunburn. While UVA rays can contribute to skin damage and aging, they penetrate deeper into the skin and are mainly linked to long-term effects rather than immediate reactions such as sunburn. UVC rays, on the other hand, are absorbed by the Earth's ozone layer and do not reach the Earth's surface, making them irrelevant in the context of sunburn. Thus, UVB is undoubtedly the main culprit in causing sunburn due to its direct impact on the skin cells and its ability to induce the inflammatory response that characterizes sunburn.