Light, chemical change and life: a source book in photochemistry

Fülszöveg

Light, Chemical Change and Life : A Source Book in Photochemistry The principal aim of this collection of source materials is to present the subject of photochemistry in the broader context of a rapidly changing world. In doing so, the editors seek to draw the reader's attention to the effects of light-induced chemical changes in the environment by an examination of biological and technical applications, and with particular reference to giobal problems such as stratospheric pollution and solar energy conversion. There is much concern at present that somé of mankind's activities, which impinge on the environment, could seriously affect the well-being of life on earth if they continue unchecked. For example, the release of chlorofluorocarbons from aerosol cans into the atmosphere may threaten the effectiveness of the ozone layer in the stratosphere that shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This problem is examined by looking at the various complex cycles of reactions... Tovább

Fülszöveg

Light, Chemical Change and Life : A Source Book in Photochemistry The principal aim of this collection of source materials is to present the subject of photochemistry in the broader context of a rapidly changing world. In doing so, the editors seek to draw the reader's attention to the effects of light-induced chemical changes in the environment by an examination of biological and technical applications, and with particular reference to giobal problems such as stratospheric pollution and solar energy conversion. There is much concern at present that somé of mankind's activities, which impinge on the environment, could seriously affect the well-being of life on earth if they continue unchecked. For example, the release of chlorofluorocarbons from aerosol cans into the atmosphere may threaten the effectiveness of the ozone layer in the stratosphere that shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This problem is examined by looking at the various complex cycles of reactions involved in maintaining the level of ozone in the stratosphere and in its potential reduction by chlorofluorocarbons. Since fossil fuels are derived from the vegetation of a bygone era, the process of photosynthesis, by which plants convert solar energy into the energy they need for the biochemical reactions of life, is highly relevant to our available sources of energy. This conversion and storage of solar energy by photochemical means has particular attractions, and a detailed examination of somé possible photochemical energy storage systems forms the subject of a group of chapters at the end of the book. These are but two examples dealt with in this specially commissioned work, which serves to emphasize the importance of photochemistry as an everyday occurrence - the interaction of light with matter, and the chemical changes that this induces. Vissza