RADIATION CHEMISTRY Meaning and
Definition
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Radiation chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on the study of chemical reactions and behaviors that occur as a result of exposure to various types of radiation. Radiation refers to the emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, and can include sources such as X-rays, gamma rays, alpha particles, beta particles, or even high-energy electrons.
Radiation chemistry investigates the interactions between radiation and matter, particularly how radiation affects the chemical properties and reactivity of substances. It explores the mechanisms by which radiation can induce chemical changes, such as breaking chemical bonds, ionizing atoms or molecules, and generating reactive species. These reactions can lead to a wide range of chemical processes, including the formation of free radicals, the production of ions, and the initiation of various oxidation or reduction reactions.
Radiation chemistry finds numerous applications in several areas, including nuclear chemistry, environmental science, biology, and medicine. For instance, it is used to investigate the effects of radiation exposure on biological systems, develop radiation therapies for cancer treatment, and understand the behavior of radioactive materials in various environments. In nuclear power plants, radiation chemistry is employed to ensure the safe handling and disposal of nuclear waste materials, as well as to study the corrosion and degradation processes associated with radiation-induced chemical reactions.
Overall, radiation chemistry plays a crucial role in unraveling the intricate interactions between radiation and matter, contributing to advancements in both fundamental research and practical applications in various fields.
Etymology of RADIATION CHEMISTRY
The word "radiation chemistry" is composed of two parts:
1. "Radiation": The term "radiation" comes from the Latin word "radiare" which means "to emit rays or beams". It was first used in the 17th century to describe the emission of energy in the form of waves or particles. The term evolved over time to include the emission of energy in various forms such as electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light, radio waves), particulate radiation (e.g., alpha and beta particles), and ionizing radiation (e.g., X-rays, gamma rays).
2. "Chemistry": The term "chemistry" is derived from the Arabic word "al-kīmiyā" which was used to refer to the search for methods of transmuting base metals into noble metals (e.g., lead into gold) during the Islamic Golden Age.
