radiolysis
Bonds broken by radiation
Radiolysis is the decomposition of molecules by radiation.
When high-energy particles or electromagnetic radiation strike chemical compounds, they break molecular bonds, producing fragments and free radicals.
Water radiolysis in nuclear reactors generates hydrogen and oxygen gases.
The process is significant in radiation chemistry, nuclear waste management, and understanding radiation damage to biological tissues.
Breakdown into simpler parts
- dissociationMental separation from surroundings
- bond cleavageBreaking molecular connections
- fragmentationBreaking into smaller pieces
- ionizationCharge acquisition process
free radicals · chain reactions · yield · water splitting · recombination · scavenging
Highest-frequency electromagnetic radiation
- alpha particlesEmitted helium nuclei
- beta particlesElectrons from radioactive decay
- irradiationExposure to radiant energy
- cobalt-60Radioactive isotope for therapy
particle accelerator · radionuclide · dosimetry · gray · rad · exposure
Medical radiation for cancer
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
- cancer treatmentMedical intervention for malignancy
- water treatmentCleaning supply for consumption
- radiopharmaceuticalsMedicinal radioactive substances
Used nuclear material
- nuclear wasteRadioactive disposal material
- fuel rodsEncased fissile material tubes
- containmentPreventing hostile expansion
- corrosionChemical wearing away
Fukushima · Chernobyl · reprocessing · vitrification · repository
decomposition
Breakdown into simpler parts
- dissociationMental separation from surroundings
- bond cleavageBreaking molecular connections
- fragmentationBreaking into smaller pieces
ionization · free radicals · chain reactions · yield · water splitting · recombination · scavenging
gamma rays
Highest-frequency electromagnetic radiation
- alpha particlesEmitted helium nuclei
- beta particlesElectrons from radioactive decay
- irradiationExposure to radiant energy
cobalt-60 · particle accelerator · radionuclide · dosimetry · gray · rad · exposure
radiotherapy
Medical radiation for cancer
- sterilizationComplete elimination of microbes
- cancer treatmentMedical intervention for malignancy
- water treatmentCleaning supply for consumption
spent fuel
Used nuclear material
- nuclear wasteRadioactive disposal material
- fuel rodsEncased fissile material tubes
- containmentPreventing hostile expansion
corrosion · Fukushima · Chernobyl · reprocessing · vitrification · repository
radiolysisthermolysis
Decomposition by heat
pyrolysis · photolysis · electrolysis · hydrolysis · chemical decomposition