SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

1.0 Tittle

Question 11

How effective are different sunscreen products

in blocking harmful UV radiation from sunlight?

Design an experiment to investigate the query above and explain the concepts involved.

.

2.0 / Introduction

1
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

2.1 What is UV Ray?

Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation (also known as UV radiation or ultraviolet rays) is a form of energy traveling
through space.

Some of the most frequently recognized types of energy are heat and light. These, along with others,
can be classified as a phenomenon known as electromagnetic radiation. Other types of
electromagnetic radiation are gamma rays, X-rays, visible light, infrared rays, and radio waves. The
progression of electromagnetic radiation through space can be visualized in different ways. Some
experiments suggest that these rays travel in the form of waves. A physicist can actually measure
the length of those waves (simply called their wavelength ). It turns out that a smaller wavelength
means more energy. At other times, it is more plausible to describe electromagnetic radiation as
being contained and traveling in little packets, called photons.

The distinguishing factor among the different types of electromagnetic radiation is their energy
content. Ultraviolet radiation is more energetic than visible radiation and therefore has a shorter
wavelength. To be more specific: Ultraviolet rays have a wavelength between approximately 100
nanometers and 400 nanometers whereas visible radiation includes wavelengths between 400 and
780 nanometers.

2.2 Where does it come from?

The sun is a major source of ultraviolet rays. Though the sun emits all of the different kinds of
electromagnetic radiation, 99% of its rays are in the form of visible light, ultraviolet rays, and
infrared rays (also known as heat). Man-made lamps can also emit UV radiation, and are often used
for experimental purposes.

2.3 What does it do?

Light enables us to see, and heat keeps us from being cold. However, ultraviolet rays often carry the
unfortunate circumstance of containing too much energy. For example, infrared rays create heat in
2
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

much the same way as rubbing your hands together does. The energy contained in the infrared rays
causes the molecules of the substance it hits to vibrate back and forth. However, the energy
contained in ultraviolet rays is higher, so instead of just causing the molecules to shake, it actually
can knock electrons away from the atoms, or causes molecules to split. This results in a change in
the chemical structure of the molecule. This change is especially detrimental to living organisms, as
it can cause cell damage and deformities by actually mutating its genetic code.

2.4 What stops it?

Ultraviolet rays can be subdivided into three different wavelength bands - UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C.
This is simply a convenient way of classifying the rays based on the amount of energy they contain
and their effects on biological matter. UV-C is most energetic and most harmful; UV-A is least
energetic and least harmful.

Luckily, UV-C rays do not reach the earth's surface because of the ozone layer. When UV-C rays
meet the ozone molecules at high layers of the atmosphere, the energy inherent in them is enough to
break apart the bond of the molecule and absorb the energy. Therefore, no UV-C rays from the sun
ever come into contact with life on earth, though man-produced UV-C rays can be a hazard in
certain professions, such as welders.

UV-B rays have a lower energy level and a longer wavelength than UV-C. As their energy is often
not sufficient to split an ozone molecule, some of them extend down to the earth's surface. UV-A
rays do not have enough energy to break apart the bonds of the ozone, so UV-A radiation passes the
earth's atmosphere almost unfiltered. As both UV-B and UV-A rays can be detrimental to our health,
it is important that we protect ourselves.

Most efficient way to protect ourself from these harmful rays are by using sunscreen products said
to preventing them from reaching our skins. The question is do they really protect us?

3.0 / Problems

Arranging an experiment needs a lots planning to obtain an accurate and a precise result. After
collecting details about UV rays we designed experiment with the help of our teachers. For this
experiment the most reliable instrument was UV meter which can give us a very accurate reading

3
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

for emitted UV Ray by the sun. Failing to obtain the instrument we had to redesign the experiment
using UV Beads which is good enough to investigate the experiment.

UV Meter

was replaced by

UV Beads

4.0 / The Experiment

4.1 Aim /

This experiment was designed to investigate the effectiveness of sunscreen products

(sunblock) in blocking harmful UV rays from entering our skin.

4.2 Hypothesis /
4
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

How effective do Sunscreen product protects our skin from harmful UV rays?
Does Higher SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number gives more protection and prevent harmful
UV rays from entering our skin?

4.3 Variables /

4.3.1. Manipulated Variables

Sunscreen products with different number of SPF(Sun Protection Factor)

4.3.2. Controlled Variable

Same UV beads, same source of UV ray(sun), Time placed under sunlight

4.3.3 Responding Variables

Difference in opacity of UV beads colour

4.4 Materials /
1. UV Beads
2. Sunscreen Products
a. SPF 110PA+++
b. SPF 50PA+++
c. SPF 30PA+++
3. 3 Small Plastic bags
4. Colour board for identification
5. Data table sheet
5.0 Procedure /

1. Start by collecting various strengths of sunscreen (SPF 30, 50, and 110).
2. Place the bead in the plastic bag and put it under sunlight (afternoon sunlight for better result).
3. Set a timer of 5 minutes.
4. Wait and note the colour change in the bead.
5. Using colour board record the colour grade according to the sunscreen used. The key is to rate
the colour of the beads on a scale of 1-10, with 10 showing the most colour or burning and 1
showing the least colour
6. Apply a layer of SPF 30 sunscreen to the outside of the bag.
5
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

7. Placed it under the sunlight and repeat step 3 until 5.

8. After recording the data, Place the same bead in a new plastic bag.
9. Apply a layer of SPF 50 sunscreen to the outside of the bag
10. Repeat step 2 to 5 using sunscreen SPF 110

6.0 Collecting Data /

6
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

Colour chart used for UV ray grading

Sunscreen Product Time (min) UV Bead Colour Grade

without sunscreen 5 10

SPF 30 5 4

SPF 50 5 4

SPF 110 5 2

Reading 1

Sunscreen Product Time (min) UV Bead Colour Grade

without sunscreen 5 10

SPF 30 5 5

SPF 50 5 4

SPF 110 5 1
Reading 2

7.0 Analysis /

7
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

The procedures are repeated twice to obtain reliable data. A graph were plotted according to the data

11
10
9
8
7
6
UV Beads Colour Grades 5
4
3
2
1
0
W/O SPF 30 SPF 50 SPF 110

Sunscreen Products x
collected.

8
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

11
10
9
8
7
6
UV Beads Colour Grades 5
4
3
2
1
0
W/O SPF 30 SPF 50 SPF 110

Sunscreen Products x

11

10

6
UV Beads Colour Grades 5
Reading 1 Reading 2
4

0
W/O SPF 30 SPF 50 SPF 110

Sunscreen Products x

9
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

8.0 Controlled Group /

In an experiment there are several things that need more attention equally to tittle itself. These
things ensure the purity of the results it the experiment. So in our experiment the most important
things that need attention and kept controlled are as follows:-

Same brand and type of sunscreen

Same bead was used in every test
Every test were conducted in the same time and place

What will happen if these matters werent controlled?

1. Different type of brand may consist different amount of chemical substance or extra
ingredients which may affect the test.
2. Not all the beads glow with the same colour when exposed to UV rays. Some glow
red, some glow blue, some yellow and some are orange. So using the same bead
gives us a perfect reading according to their colour.
3. Sun light were not cast as same as before. Due to change in climate; weather, they
change. Clouds block the rays from reaching the ground. As we have seen in the
introduction, some types of clouds can block the UV rays or weaken it. Considering
these factors, the experiment were conducted twice at the same time between 2pm to
3pm for same source of UV rays.

10
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

9.0 Conclusion /

Looking at the data and the analysis we can conclude that sunscreen products do really prevent
harmful UV rays from entering our skin. But the SPF numbers 30 and 50 stated seems didn't make
much difference compared to 110. Sunscreen product with the higher number such as SPF110 may
cost much but it is worth of spending for taking care of our healthy and soft skin. It is recommended
to use sunscreen even if the day isnt that hot, because UV radiation is totally different than the heat
released by the sun. According to an internet document, Snow cover can increase UV levels by
approximately 90% in fresh snow, and by approximately 50% for old snow. The Bureau of
Meteorology provides snow adjusted UV values for locations in snow covered areas between 1 June
and 15 October each year. Sun protection is recommended by Cancer Council Australia whilst on
the snow.1 Which is clear that coldness of weather doesnt stop the UV ray but unfortunately
increase them. So, whenever we want to expose ourselves under the sunlight, its better to shield
ourself with sunscreens.

Therefore our hypothesis stated are proven to be correct, sunscreen products do prevent harmfull
UV rays from entering our skin and the SPF number stated in them make a slight change in
blocking UV rays.

1 http://www.bom.gov.au/uv/faq.shtml#

11
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

10.0 Safety Precautions /

The sun's rays feel good, but they're no friend to your skin. Though you won't see it right away, they
give you wrinkles and age spots, and they're the top cause of skin cancer. Over time, the sun's
ultraviolet (UV) light harms fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers break down, the skin
begins to sag and stretch. It also bruises and tears more easily, taking longer to heal.2

We conduct the experiment in the sun light. So it is adviced to apply sunscreens before we run the
experiment. Moreover try to avoid from sun exposure for a long time.

2 http://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun/sun-safety-tips

12
SJKT LADANG SUNGAI RAYA, LANGKAWI, KEDAH - SCIENCE FAIR 2016 PROJECT

11.0 Bibliography /

Shazi. (June 25, 2012). 11 Ways to Look Younger Than Your Age. 2. Wear Sunscreen. March 23,
2016 from http://www.toptenstop.com/11-ways-to-look-younger-than-your-age/

Commonwealth of Australia 2016, Bureau of Meteorology. (N.D). Bureau Home, UV and Sun
Protection services, Ultraviolet (UV) / Ozone Frequently Asked Questions. March 23, 2016
http://www.bom.gov.au/uv/faq.shtml#

Stephanie S. Gardner, MD. (October 06, 2014). webmd, beauty, sun, sun-safety-tips. March 23,
2016, http://www.webmd.com/beauty/sun/sun-safety-tips

Wanida Kongpunpugsa. (N.D.). Sun safety. March 23, 2016, from

https://ehs.okstate.edu/modules/sun/Whatis.htm

Steve Spangler Science. (2015). Experiments, Ultraviolet Testing with Color Changing UV Beads.
March 23, 2016. http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/uv-reactive-beads/

arcwindowfilms. (Jan 28, 2013). RUV Sunburn and Skin Cancer Sunsmart UK. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9oSJpomee8

Kevin P. Boyd. (Aug 6, 2013). Why do we have to wear sunscreen? - Kevin P. Boyd. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSJITdsTze0

13