Photochemical Reaction

Key Stage 3

Meaning

A photochemical reaction is a chemical reaction that is caused by light.

About Photochemical Reactions

Some chemicals decompose when exposed to light.

Photography originally used a chemical called Silver Nitrate which breaks down when exposed to light to make Silver. This creates a dark patch on the photographic paper.

A mixture of Hydrogen and Fluorine is sensitive to Ultraviolet light which will cause a chemical reaction.

The retina in the eyes has a chemical which changes when exposed to light. This allows the cells respond to light.