Gamma + X-rays Smash Atomic Nuclei, Ultraviolet Light Smashes Molecules

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of different types of radiation, specifically gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet (UV) light, on atomic nuclei and molecules. Participants explore the nature of ionizing radiation and its ability to break bonds or remove electrons, while also addressing misconceptions about the term "smashing" in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that gamma rays and X-rays do not "smash" atomic nuclei, as this requires significantly more energy than what these forms of radiation provide.
  • Others clarify that UV radiation has enough energy to break molecular bonds, but this process is better described as ionization rather than smashing.
  • One participant emphasizes that light has no mass and therefore cannot collide in the traditional sense, suggesting that the visualization of "smashing" is misleading.
  • Another participant points out that photons possess momentum and relativistic mass, which allows for interactions that can be described as collisions.
  • There is mention of quantum scattering being complex and not analogous to traditional collisions, particularly in the context of phenomena like Compton scattering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the appropriateness of the term "smashing" to describe the interactions of radiation with atomic nuclei and molecules. While there is some consensus on the ionizing nature of UV, gamma, and X-rays, the specifics of how these interactions occur remain contested.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of terms like "smashing" and the energy requirements for different types of interactions. The complexity of quantum scattering and the nuances of radiation interactions are also acknowledged but not fully resolved.

hurricane89
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i was watching some video on light and it says that gamma + xrays can smash atomic nuclei + ultraviolet light can smash molecules apart.
 
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In a word, no. UV, gamma and x-rays are IONIZING RADIATION this means they have enough energy to remove ELECTRONS and break bonds (which I guess you could say is "smashing" a molecule into constituent atoms). They do not "smash" (I keep using quotes because this is not really a very good way of visualizing what's going on since light has no mass with which to "collide" with anything) apart atomic nuclei, that requires a great deal more energy (like say a neutron at near the speed of light, this is what happens in a nuclear reactor/bomb)
 
hurricane89 said:
i was watching some video on light and it says that gamma + xrays can smash atomic nuclei + ultraviolet light can smash molecules apart.

UV radiation has enough energy to break up bonds of molecules like certain ones in Earth's atmosphere, however it does not smash anything like maverick_starstrider has already stated what happens is the particles absorb enough energy from the radiation to leave what ever it is they are bonded to or in the case of ionization they leave what they are orbiting.
 
maverick_starstrider said:
In a word, no. UV, gamma and x-rays are IONIZING RADIATION this means they have enough energy to remove ELECTRONS and break bonds (which I guess you could say is "smashing" a molecule into constituent atoms). They do not "smash" (I keep using quotes because this is not really a very good way of visualizing what's going on since light has no mass with which to "collide" with anything) apart atomic nuclei, that requires a great deal more energy (like say a neutron at near the speed of light, this is what happens in a nuclear reactor/bomb)
1) Photons do have momentum and relativistic mass. They can collide and they do.
2) In a nuclear reactor slow neutrons are absorbed
 
1) quantum scattering is incredibly complex and not like a collision at all (of photons or otherwise), try explaining something like compton scattering with a collision visualization

2) Ya, that's true
 

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