What is Photodissociation?
'''Photodissociation''', '''photolysis''', or '''photodecomposition''' is a [[chemical reaction]] in which a [[chemical compound]] is broken down by [[photon]]s. One or more photons interact with the target [[molecule]]. Photodissociation is not limited to [[visible light]]. Any photon with sufficient [[energy]] can affect the chemical bonds of a chemical compound. Since a photon's energy is inversely proportional to its wavelength, [[electromagnetic wave]]s with the energy of visible light or higher, such as [[ultraviolet light]], [[x-ray]]s and [[gamma ray]]s are usually involved in such reactions. One example where this is used is the [[Light-dependent reaction]] of [[photosynthesis]]. Far more enegetic photons of [[ultraviolet]] light (240 nm and shorter) can break the bonds of [[oxygen]] molecules. The newly independent oxygen atoms create [[ozone]] in the [[ozone layer]]. {{chem-stub}} [[Category:Chemical reactions]]