What does the term "radiolysis" mean?

Radiolysis refers to the chemical decomposition of materials that occurs as a result of exposure to radiation. This process involves the interaction between radiation and molecules, causing them to break apart, generate radicals, and lead to the formation of new chemical species. It is particularly relevant in radiation biology, as the radiolysis of water can produce free radicals that can cause cellular damage and contribute to the biological effects of radiation.

The other choices highlight concepts that do not accurately represent the definition of radiolysis. The physical breakdown of radiation equipment pertains more to the wear and maintenance of devices used in radiation applications, rather than the chemical effects of radiation itself. The bodily response to high doses of radiation involves physiological reactions occurring in organisms when exposed to significant radiation levels, which is distinct from the chemical processes defined by radiolysis. Finally, the measurement of radiation levels in the air relates to the detection and quantification of radiation, rather than describing the chemical alterations that radiolysis entails.