fotodysocjacja

Fotodysocjacja, also known as photodissociation or photolysis, is a chemical process where a chemical compound is broken down by photons. This process is initiated by the absorption of light, typically ultraviolet light. When a molecule absorbs a photon, its electrons are excited to higher energy levels. If the absorbed photon has sufficient energy, it can cause the molecule to break apart into two or more smaller fragments. These fragments can be neutral atoms or molecules, or they can be ions.

The energy required for photodisociation is specific to the chemical bonds within the molecule. Different wavelengths of light carry different amounts of energy. Therefore, a specific wavelength of light may be effective at causing photodisociation of one compound but not another. This selective breaking of chemical bonds is crucial in many natural and industrial processes.

In the Earth's atmosphere, photodisociation plays a vital role in atmospheric chemistry. For example, ozone (O3) in the stratosphere is continuously formed and destroyed through photodisociation initiated by ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. This process is essential for absorbing harmful UV radiation, protecting life on Earth. In industrial applications, photodisociation can be used in water purification, where UV light breaks down organic pollutants. It is also employed in certain photochemical reactions for synthesizing specific chemicals. The study of photodisociation is fundamental to understanding photochemistry and its broad impact across various scientific disciplines.