Which outcome occurs from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation in polyethylene plastic?

💡 Explanation

When UV radiation strikes polyethylene, chain scission occurs because photons break the covalent bonds in the polymer backbone, thus reducing the molecular weight and resulting in embrittlement. Therefore embrittlement results, rather than increased flexibility/melting point/tensile strength which require other polymer modification processes/conditions.

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• Which risk increases when a photodiode's manufacturing process drastically reduces the width of the energy band gap?
• Which outcome occurs when a liquid-cooled electrical transformer experiences rapid depressurization?
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• Which outcome occurs when a waveguide's dimensions approach wavelength?