Definitions
- Describing a chemical reaction that is caused by light and involves the breaking of chemical bonds. - Referring to the process of decomposition or degradation of a substance due to exposure to light. - Talking about the use of light to break down pollutants in the environment.
- Describing a chemical reaction that is initiated by light and involves the absorption of photons. - Referring to the interaction of light with matter to produce a chemical change. - Talking about the use of light in various chemical processes, such as photosynthesis and photochromism.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words involve the interaction of light and chemicals.
- 2Both words describe chemical reactions that are initiated by light.
- 3Both words are used in scientific contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Definition: Photolytic refers specifically to the breaking of chemical bonds, while photochemical involves the absorption of photons to initiate a chemical reaction.
- 2Scope: Photolytic is more limited in scope and refers mainly to the decomposition or degradation of substances due to light exposure, while photochemical has a broader range of applications in various chemical processes.
- 3Emphasis: Photolytic emphasizes the breaking of chemical bonds, while photochemical emphasizes the role of light in initiating a chemical reaction.
- 4Usage: Photolytic is less commonly used than photochemical in everyday language.
- 5Connotation: Photolytic may be associated with negative connotations, such as the breakdown of materials, while photochemical is often associated with positive connotations, such as the production of energy or color.
Remember this!
Photolytic and photochemical are both scientific terms that describe chemical reactions initiated by light. However, photolytic specifically refers to the breaking of chemical bonds due to light exposure, while photochemical involves the absorption of photons to initiate a chemical reaction. Photolytic is more limited in scope and less commonly used than photochemical, which has a broader range of applications in various chemical processes.
