Photodissociation and Photoionization#

Photodissociation#

This occurs when a molecule absorbs a photon and breaks apart into smaller fragments. This is a common process in regions exposed to UV light, such as the surfaces of molecular clouds.

  • Example:
\[ \text{CO} + h\nu \rightarrow \text{C} + \text{O} \]

Photoionization#

A molecule or atom absorbs a photon with enough energy to eject an electron, resulting in an ion.

  • Example:
\[ \text{H}_2 + h\nu \rightarrow \text{H}_2^+ + e^- \]