Fotokeemiliselt

Fotokeemiliselt refers to phenomena or processes that are driven by light. The term is derived from Greek words "phos" (light) and "chemeia" (chemistry). In essence, photochemistry is the study of how light interacts with matter to initiate or modify chemical reactions. This involves the absorption of photons by molecules, leading to excited states that can undergo various transformations, such as bond breaking, bond formation, or electron transfer.

Many natural and artificial processes are photochemically driven. Photosynthesis, the fundamental process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, is a prime example. Another common example is the darkening of photographic film or digital sensors when exposed to light. The fading of dyes and pigments upon prolonged exposure to sunlight is also a photochemically induced degradation.

In the laboratory, photochemistry is utilized in various synthetic applications to create complex molecules that might be difficult to synthesize through thermal methods. Photopolymerization, used in 3D printing and UV curing of coatings and adhesives, relies on light to initiate polymerization. Understanding photochemistry is crucial for fields ranging from biology and environmental science to materials science and medicine. It explains phenomena like vision, the formation of ozone in the atmosphere, and the development of new light-activated therapies.