[Chemistry Class Notes] Free Radicals Pdf for Exam

Free radicals are a set of impaired electrons present in almost every molecule, which combines with other constituents very quickly and gives the results accordingly. Many organic molecules have a concise life, and that is why even free radicals need to multiple themselves from time-to-time to avoid getting destroyed entirely from a single body.

In Chemistry, a free radical is an atom or a molecule free in its space and independent in its nature. The molecules that have unpaired electrons are called free radicals, and such radicals can be easily mixed with their respective components without getting affected by the outside atmosphere. 

These free radicals play a vital role in the proper functioning of the body, and that is why there should be more presence of them in humans’ bodies.  

There are a lot of examples of free radicals in chemistry, which primarily consists of Nitric Acid (NO), Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2), Hydroxyl radical (OH), and so on.

Types of Free Radicals

 There are two types of free radicals. They are-

These free radicals do not charge them that’s why they have a much lesser reactivity than the charged free radicals.  

The free radicals charged are very strongly reactive and emit great capacity to mix with the other components and constituents. These free radicals can either be positive or negative.

What Causes Free Radicals?

Sometimes, the metabolic processes that seem to be expected in the body cause free radicals. These metabolic processes are the essential and required processes of the body, and that is why total eradication of the same is impossible and unhealthy for the body. 

Free radicals can also get into the body by external sources such as X-rays, cigarette smoking, etc.

The free radicals in the body of living beings cause quick combinations with the other components and also form large reaction chains for the same reason. These radicals are very quick to react with every molecule, and these reactions are precisely termed ‘oxidation reactions’ in living beings, especially humans.  

Properties of Free Radicals

There are various properties of free radicals that can be listed with short details as below-

Due to the free radicals’ unstable nature, they can attract and combine with any chemical component very easily and freely.  

The free radicals’ reactivity is very high, which makes it available and open for the other components to come and merge with them. The free radicals’ above properties make them unique and useful for the people in their bodies and from any other outside source. The primary and most crucial task of free radicals is to combine with the other free components present in your body. In this process, the free radicals may sometimes cause acceleration of heart disease and some other minor disorders.  

What are Free Radicals in Food?

Some specific foods have a massive amount of free radicals present in it. These foods can be stated as below-

The glycemic foods that are present in the market are a very active source of free radicals, and their consumption can give you ample free radical benefits for sure.  

Processed meats like sausages, salami, and bacon are rich in free radicals, and that is why these foods should be consumed in vast amounts if you want to increase the number of free radicals in your body.

Free radicals can sometimes cause significant loss to your body, but the other times, it is a precious and essential component present in your body. So, it would help if you actively contributed to increasing the number of free radicals in your body by consuming rich foods.