Water photolysis

Definition

Water photolysis is the process by which light energy splits water molecules into hydrogen ions, electrons, and oxygen gas during photosynthesis.

Analogy

Imagine water photolysis as breaking open a piggy bank. The piggy bank represents the water molecule, and when you break it open (with light energy), you get coins (hydrogen ions and electrons) and paper money (oxygen gas).

Related terms

Photosynthesis: This is the process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods with carbon dioxide and water. It's like cooking food using only sunlight!

Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. It's like solar panels on houses absorbing sunlight to generate electricity.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC): ETC transfers electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors via redox reactions. It's like a relay race where electrons are the baton being passed along.