Radiolysis Of Water

Radiolysis Of Water

Write in detail about radiolysis of water.
Answer.

Radiolysis of Water

• Human tissues have 85% of water, on irradiation most of its energy will initially get deposited in the water and only small proportion is taken up by bone, skin etc.
• When water molecules get irradiated, ionization takes place as H₂O losses an electron and become H₂O⁺
  • H₂O →  H₂O⁺ + e^–
• Electron can be captured by another H2O molecule to produce negative molecule
  • H₂O + e^– →  H₂O^–

“Importance of studying radiolysis of water for better radiation safety: Questions explained”

• This completes the formation of an ion pair.
• Stability of molecule is maintained till now, this comes under the physical changes.
• Chemical change follows as mentioned:
  • H₂O⁺ →  H⁺ + OH⁺
  • H₂O^– →  H^– + OH^–

“Understanding the role of radiolysis in radiation chemistry: Q&A explained”

• Free radicals have an odd electron which is the highly reactive entities.
• These have the lifetime of one microsecond and attack most of the organic substances. Free radicals can react with proteins, carbohydrates, hormones and enzymes which causes their breakdown.