Describe and explain the role of light in photochemical reactions and the effect of light on the rate of these reactions (this should be linked to section 14.4.)
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1 - As well as acting as an electromagnetic wave, light can be considered as an energy 'bullets' called photons and they have sufficient 'impact energy' to break chemical bonds, that is, enough energy to overcome the activation energy.
2 - The greater the intensity of light (visible or ultra-violet) the more reactant molecules are likely to gain the required energy (activation energy) and react, so the reaction speed increases.
3 - Strictly speaking the light (visible or uv) is NOT a catalyst in the sense that the photons of energy are used up in the chemical changes they induce, the photons cannot be recycled.
2 - The greater the intensity of light (visible or ultra-violet) the more reactant molecules are likely to gain the required energy (activation energy) and react, so the reaction speed increases.
3 - Strictly speaking the light (visible or uv) is NOT a catalyst in the sense that the photons of energy are used up in the chemical changes they induce, the photons cannot be recycled.
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