Energetic electrons trapped in Jupiter's magnetic field are a principal source of energy for driving chemistry on the surface of Europa. Here we show that energetic (10 keV-10 MeV) electrons precipitate primarily on the trailing hemisphere, and we give the spatial distribution of the dose-rate deposited in Europa's surface. Based on this we propose that energetic electrons are a primary agent in determining the hemispherical differences in Europa's albedo, which have been attributed to differences in the incident ion flux. We compare the spatial distribution in the dose-rate deposited by the energetic electrons to the spatial distribution in the hydrate (likely frozen, hydrated sulfuric acid) determined by Galileo's near-infrared mapping spectrometer. This comparison supports the idea that radiolysis by the energetic electrons contributes significantly to producing the hydrate. ¿ 2001 American Geophysical Union