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Which isotopic effect accelerates polyethylene degradation under UV exposure?

A)Reduced C-H bond dissociation energy
B)Increased phonon scattering cross-section
C)Enhanced radiative heat transfer
D)Decreased carbon nuclear magnetic moment

💡 Explanation

Degradation accelerates when polyethylene contains protium (¹H) rather than deuterium (²H). The **kinetic isotope effect** reduces the C-H bond dissociation energy because vibrational frequency changes alter reaction rates, therefore making bond breakage easier, rather than changes in phonon behavior.

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