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.