Breakdown of molecules into smaller units via absorption of light. Flash photolysis, an experimental technique developed by Manfred Eigen, Ronald George Weyford Norrish, and George Porter, studies short-lived chemical intermediates formed in many photochemical reactions. An intense, brief flash of light splits molecules into short-lived fragments, which are analyzed by spectrophotometry in a second, less intense flash
A chemical reaction involving sunlight in which molecules are split into their constituent atoms Also known as photodissociation
Chemical decomposition by the action of radiant electromagnetic energy, especially light Triggered by solar radiation, photolysis removes both nitrous oxide and ozone in the stratosphere (Source: Mintzer, 1992)