Photolysis of a molecule of water yeilds

Options

A. 4 electrons and 4 protons
B. 2 electrons and 2 protons
C. 2 electrons and 4 protons
D. 4 electrons and 2 protons

Answer

To solve the question regarding the photolysis of a molecule of water, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand Photolysis**:
- Photolysis refers to the process of breaking down a molecule using light. In this context, we are focusing on the photolysis of water (H₂O).

2. **Identify the Reaction**:
- The photolysis of water occurs during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. When water molecules are exposed to light, they are split into their constituent parts.

3. **Determine the Products**:
- The breakdown of one molecule of water results in the release of electrons, protons, and oxygen.
- The chemical equation for the photolysis of water can be represented as:
\[ 2H_2O \rightarrow 4H^+ + 4e^- + O_2 \]
- From this equation, we can see that for every two molecules of water, four protons (H⁺) and four electrons (e⁻) are produced, along with one molecule of oxygen (O₂).

4. **Calculate for One Molecule**:
- Since the question asks about the photolysis of a single molecule of water, we need to divide the products by two:
- From 2H₂O, we get 4 protons and 4 electrons.
- Therefore, for 1 molecule of water, we yield 2 protons and 2 electrons.

5. **Select the Correct Option**:
- Based on our calculations, the correct answer to the question is that photolysis of a molecule of water yields **2 electrons and 2 protons**.

### Final Answer:
The photolysis of a molecule of water yields **2 electrons and 2 protons**.

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