Which one of the following is the process involved in photosynthesis?
Potential energy is released to form free energy
Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored
Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water
Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out
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This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
A) Potential energy is released to form free energy: This describes processes like respiration (breakdown of glucose to release energy) or combustion, where stored chemical energy (potential) is converted into usable energy (free).
B) Free energy is converted into potential energy and stored: In photosynthesis, light energy from the sun (a form of free energy) is absorbed and converted into chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose molecules (a form of potential energy). This is the fundamental energy conversion process in photosynthesis.
C) Food is oxidized to release carbon dioxide and water: This describes respiration, where organic food molecules are broken down in the presence of oxygen to release energy, carbon dioxide, and water.
D) Oxygen is taken, and carbon dioxide and water vapour are given out: Plants take in carbon dioxide and water for photosynthesis and release oxygen as a byproduct. Taking in oxygen and giving out carbon dioxide and water is the process of respiration (which plants also do).
– Chemical energy is stored in the bonds of these organic compounds (potential energy).
– The process converts light energy into chemical energy.