Describe the impact of environmental conditions on the lifespan of electronic components.

Environmental conditions significantly impact the lifespan of electronic components by accelerating degradation processes and causing premature failures. High temperature is one of the most significant factors. Increased temperature accelerates chemical reactions within the components, leading to faster degradation of materials and reduced reliability. For example, electrolytic capacitors have a limited lifespan that is highly dependent on temperature; higher temperatures cause the electrolyte to evaporate more quickly, reducing the capacitor's capacitance and eventually leading to failure. Humidity can also cause corrosion of metal components and printed circuit boards. Moisture can penetrate the component packaging and react with the metal, forming oxides that increase resistance and reduce conductivity. This is particularly problematic in humid environments. Vibration and shock can cause mechanical stress on components and solder joints, leading to fatigue and eventual failure. Components that are not securely mounted or that are subjected to excessive vibration are more likely to fail prematurely. Contamination from dust, dirt, and other particles can also affect component lifespan. Contaminants can accumulate on the surface of components, interfering with their electrical performance and causing overheating. Radiation exposure, particularly in medical imaging equipment, can damage semiconductor devices and other electronic components. Radiation can cause changes in the electrical characteristics of components, leading to reduced performance or failure. By controlling and mitigating these environmental factors, the lifespan of electronic components can be significantly extended.