Activator of light cure composite is:
Light-cure composites are dental materials that harden when exposed to a specific light source. The activator would be the component that initiates the polymerization reaction when light is applied. Common photoinitiators in these composites include camphorquinone, which is activated by blue light. When the light hits camphorquinone, it starts a free radical chain reaction that cross-links the resin matrix, making the composite solid.
So the correct answer should be camphorquinone. Now, the wrong options might include other substances like benzoyl peroxide (used in chemical cure systems), which isn't light-activated. Or maybe something like TEGDMA, which is a monomer in the resin, not an initiator. Another distractor could be a different photoinitiator like Irgacure, but camphorquinone is the standard in dentistry.
The clinical pearl here is remembering that camphorquinone is specifically activated by blue light (450-470 nm), which is why dental curing lights use that wavelength. Students might confuse chemical vs. light-activated systems, so it's important to distinguish between them. Let me structure the explanation with the required sections, making sure each part is concise and fits within the character limit. Also, need to avoid any markdown except bold for key terms and section labels. Alright, putting it all together now.
**Core Concept**: Light-cure composites polymerize via a photoinitiator system activated by specific wavelengths of light. The activator is typically a photoinitiator molecule that generates free radicals upon light exposure, initiating cross-linking of the resin matrix.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**: Camphorquinone is the most common photoinitiator in light-cure dental composites. When exposed to blue light (450β470 nm), it absorbs energy and forms free radicals, which trigger the polymerization of methacrylate monomers (e.g., Bis-GMA, TEGDMA). This process is rapid, efficient, and allows precise control over setting.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**:
**Option A:** Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical initiator used in chemically cured systems, not light-cured composites.
**Option B:** TEGDMA (triethylene glycol dimethacrylate) is a diluent monomer that reduces viscosity but does not act as an activator.
**Option C:** Irgacure is a photoinitiator used in industrial resins but not standard in dental composites; camphorquinone is the dental gold standard.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**: Remember that camphorquinone is activated by blue light (visible spectrum), which is why dental curing lights emit this wavelength. Avoid confusing it with chemical initiators like benzoyl peroxide, which are used in dual-cure or self-cure systems.
**Correct Answer: C. Camphorquinone**