Photodissociation of Molecular Oxygen (O2)

Photodissociation of oxygen.
Animation courtesy COMET.

This animation illustrates the process of photodissociation of oxygen. When an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photon strikes an oxygen molecule, it photodissociates the molecule into two separate oxygen atoms. The energy from the photon breaks the chemical bond that holds the molecule together. The result is two separate oxygen atoms.

You will need to have the latest version of the Flash player to see this animation.

Photodissociation of Molecular Nitrogen

Photodissociation of Water

Photodissociation of the Hydroxyl Radical

Last modified February 17, 2006 by Randy Russell.

Shop Windows to the Universe Science Store!

Enjoy your love of minerals and fossils through jewelry! We have beautiful Nature's Own jewelry in our online store, including earrings, necklaces, and pendants!

Windows to the Universe Community

News

Opportunities

Upcoming W2U Events
Join Today - Benefits,
No Ads!
Special Offers for Teachers
Member Benefits
Teacher Newsletter
Partnership Opportunities

You might also be interested in:

Megalodon Shark's Tooth

Check out our online store - minerals, fossils, books, activities, jewelry, and household items!...more

Photodissociation

Sometimes when a photon hits a molecule, the energy from the photon causes the molecule to break apart. Scientists use the term "photodissociation" for such events. Photodissociation plays a very important...more

Photon

Light is very strange. Sometimes it is best to think of light as a series of waves. At other times, it is useful to think of light as a swarm of particles. When we think of light as particles, we call...more

Oxygen

Oxygen is a chemical element with an atomic number of 8 (it has eight protons in its nucleus). Oxygen forms a chemical compound (O2) of two atoms which is a colorless gas at normal temperatures and pressures....more

Molecules

Most things around us are made of groups of atoms bonded together into packages called molecules. The atoms in a molecule are held together because they share or exchange electrons. Molecules are made...more

The Thermosphere

The thermosphere is a layer of Earth's atmosphere. The thermosphere is directly above the mesosphere and below the exosphere. It extends from about 90 km (56 miles) to between 500 and 1,000 km (311 to...more

Nitric Acid - HNO3

Nitric acid is a colorless, corrosive liquid and a toxic acid which can cause severe burns. Nitric acid consists of nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. Nitric acid, in its gas phase, is present in very...more

Sulfuric Acid - H2SO4

Sulfuric acid is a viscous, oily liquid and a strong acid which can cause severe burns. Sulfuric acid consists of sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. Sulfuric acid is one of the components of acid rain....more

Shop Windows to the Universe

Fluorite is available in our online store, along with other minerals and fossils, books, activities, jewelry, and household items.

Generous sponsorship of Windows to the Universe is provided by the Hewlett Foundation, the American Geological Institute, the American Geophysical Union, the National Science Foundation, NASA, NCAR, and the CISM and CMMAP projects. NASA CMMAP AGU CISM NCAR Hewlett AGI NSF