Free Radical

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Free Radical </dt>
An atom or group of atoms broken away from a stable compound by application of external energy, and, although containing unpaired electrons, remaining free for transitory or longer periods. </dd>
''Interest centers on three radicals, atomic hydrogen (H), atomic nitrogen (N), and the amine radical (NH). In their free state, they are highly active, combining with each other or with other substances to form other stable molecules, and yielding in the process energies well in excess of those available from conventional chemical fuels. Their use in propulsive systems, depends upon their being isolated and available in bulk, either in pure form or dissolved in a desired concentration in another fuel. See aeroduct. </dd>

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use