Chemistry
The Role of Radical Intermediates in Atmospheric Smog Formation
Quick fact
A single hydroxyl radical can trigger the oxidation of thousands of VOC molecules, leading to the production of multiple ozone molecules, making these ultra-short-lived species powerful amplifiers of smog.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever noticed a brownish haze hanging over a city on a hot, sunny day? What you're seeing is a chemical chain reaction, powered by sunlight, that relies on short-lived molecules you've probably never heard of—radicals.