Which wavelengths cause the photolysis of water to happen?

Thread starter ItDoesn'tMatter
Start date Aug 19, 2015
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Cause Water Wavelengths

In summary, photolysis of water is a chemical reaction where water molecules are broken down into hydrogen and oxygen atoms by absorbing light energy. This process is triggered by visible and ultraviolet light, specifically blue and red light. When a water molecule absorbs light, it gains energy and breaks apart into hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Photolysis of water is crucial in nature as it is responsible for producing oxygen and is an essential step in photosynthesis. It can also be artificially replicated in a laboratory setting using techniques such as photocatalysis and artificial photosynthesis.

Aug 19, 2015

ItDoesn'tMatter

I was wondering which specific wavelengths of light cause the photolysis of water to happen.

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Aug 19, 2015

Bystander

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How much energy is required to break an O-H bond? What wave length corresponds to that energy?

May 18, 2016

Lonner

www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0301010483850708

FAQ: Which wavelengths cause the photolysis of water to happen?

What is photolysis of water?

Photolysis of water is a chemical reaction in which water molecules are broken down into hydrogen and oxygen atoms by the absorption of light energy.

Which wavelengths are responsible for causing photolysis of water?

The wavelengths of light that cause photolysis of water are in the visible and ultraviolet range, specifically blue and red light.

How does the absorption of light lead to the photolysis of water?

When a water molecule absorbs a photon of light, it gains energy and becomes excited. This increased energy allows the molecule to break apart into hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

Is photolysis of water an important process in nature?

Yes, photolysis of water is a crucial process in nature as it is the primary source of oxygen in the atmosphere. It is also an essential step in photosynthesis, where plants use the energy from sunlight to produce oxygen and carbohydrates.

Can the photolysis of water be artificially replicated in a laboratory setting?

Yes, scientists have successfully replicated the photolysis of water in a laboratory setting by using a variety of techniques such as photocatalysis and artificial photosynthesis. These processes mimic the natural process of photolysis and can be used to produce hydrogen fuel from water.