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

1 answer

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.