Radiolysis

Radiolysis is the process where radiation, such as X-rays or radioactive particles, interacts with molecules, causing their chemical bonds to break. This results in the formation of new, often reactive, molecules. For example, when radiation hits water, it can split into hydrogen and oxygen gases, along with other reactive species. Radiolysis is important in fields like nuclear power, medicine, and materials science because it affects how radiation interacts with substances, potentially causing changes in their structure or behavior. Understanding radiolysis helps in designing radiation-resistant materials and in managing radiation's biological effects.