noun
- the decomposition or breakdown of a chemical compound caused by the action of light, especially ultraviolet radiation
Usage: technical; chemistry
Examples
- Photolysis of water molecules in the upper atmosphere releases hydrogen and oxygen.
- The photolysis of chlorine compounds contributes to ozone depletion in the stratosphere.
- In photosynthesis, photolysis of water is a crucial step that produces oxygen.
- UV light triggers the photolysis of certain pesticides in soil.
- Scientists study photolysis to understand how sunlight breaks down pollutants in the environment.