radiation chemistry

Radiation chemistry is the study of the chemical effects that nuclear and other radiations have on matter. When matter is exposed to radiation, it can undergo ionization and excitation. In molecular substances, this can lead to the formation of chemically reactive fragments called free radicals.12

High-energy electromagnetic waves, such as X-rays and gamma rays, can deposit significant energy into atoms and molecules, initiating a diverse range of chemical reactions. These reactions can result in the creation of new chemical species or the regeneration of original molecules. While atomic solids like metals may show little permanent change, molecular systems are more susceptible to chemical transformation under irradiation.32