breakdown of matter due to ionizing radiation
molecular disintegration resulting from radiation
occurs when energetic particles (such as those from the Sun or cosmic rays from beyond the solar system) bombard a planetary object and break up molecules in the top layers of the surface. When the molecules rejoin they often form larger molecules. Thus, under the influence of radiolysis, the simplest hydrocarbon such as methane can be turned into complex organic materials.
The decomposition of a material (usually water) into different molecules due to ionizing radiation. In water, radiolysis results in the production of hydrogen gas and oxygen.
The breaking apart of a molecule by radiation, such as the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen.
decomposition of water by ionizing radiation resulting in the formation of hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals.
Radiolysis is the dissociation of molecules by radiation. It is the cleavage of one or several chemical bonds resulting from exposure to high-energy flux. For example water dissociates under alpha radiation into hydrogen and oxygen.