Chemical Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Simple Inorganic Compounds and Aqueous Solutions,

Review of existing data shows that all covalent compounds are decomposed by ionizing radiations, but that for simple molecules the reactions often will not proceed far because of back reaction of product molecules to re-form the original substances. Such systems are characterized by approach to radiation steady states, in which the various possible molecules are all present in proportions which will in general depend on the radiation intensity as well as on other variables. The concept of the constant ion-pair yield or radiation yield is valid only over restricted ranges for systems far removed from a steady state.