Question

Photosynthesis uses the sun's energy. Which of the following steps would use that energy?

releasing oxygen

combining carbon dioxide and hydrogen

absorbing carbon dioxide

splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen

Answer 1

The step that would use the sun's energy in photosynthesis is the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process, known as photolysis, occurs during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis and requires light energy to break the water molecules apart into their constituent elements. The resulting oxygen is then released as a waste product, while the hydrogen is combined with carbon dioxide to produce glucose during the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis.