The reaction given is the formation of water, not the dissociation of water. Therefore, the question is asking for the amount of energy required to be absorbed in the reaction, not released.
In the reaction, one mole of water is formed. Since one mole of water contains two O-H bonds, we can calculate the total energy required to break both bonds.
Total energy required = bond energy of O-H bond x number of O-H bonds
Total energy required = 449.08 kJ/mol x 2
Total energy required = 898.16 kJ
Therefore, the amount of energy required to be absorbed in the dissociation of 1 mole of water is 898.16 kJ, so the correct answer is b) 898.16 kJ is absorbed.