Natures Chemistry - Skin Care Flashcards
1
Q
What is UV light?
A
A high-energy form of light, present in sunlight.
2
Q
What are two effects of UV light?
A
- UV light has been linked to skin cancer.
2. It ages the skin.
3
Q
How are free radicals formed?
A
UV light breaks covalent bonds leaving atoms with unpaired electrons. They are now highly reactive.
4
Q
What is a free radical?
A
A highly reactive atom with an unpaired electron.
5
Q
What is the order of the three steps in free radical chain reactions?
A
- Initiation.
- Propagation.
- Termination.
6
Q
What is a free radical scavenger?
A
Molecules that react with free radicals to form stable molecules. This prevents chain reactions from occurring.
