Question

Define photolysis in photosynthesis.

Answer 1

Definition: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants prepare their own food using sunlight and carbon dioxide.

1. Photosynthesis is carried out in two phases: light reaction and dark reaction.
2. The light reaction takes place in the presence of light.
3. The photon is absorbed by the chlorophyll which excites the electrons thereby increasing energy.
4. The energy can now be used in the splitting of the water molecules into hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions by the process called photolysis.

Equation:

${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\stackrel{\mathrm{Photolyis}}{\to }{\mathrm{H}}^{+}+{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$