It has been suggested that scientists mimic photosynthesis by building artificial leaves that can respond to electricity from solar cells. The electricity could be applied to the leaves to split water into oxygen and hydrogen. The hydrogen could then be used a fuel. Which of these is the best explanation of how this mimics photosynthesis?
A) Both this proposed process and photosynthesis store solar energy as electricity for later use.
B) Both this proposed process and photosynthesis split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
C) The mimic leaves would have to be green like photosynthesizing leaves in order to respond to light.
D) Both processes convert electrical energy to light energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both the proposed process and photosynthesis involve the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. This is the key process that allows for the storage of solar energy as a fuel, which is the main goal of mimicking photosynthesis. Option A is incorrect because photosynthesis stores solar energy as chemical energy in the form of glucose, not electricity. Option C is incorrect because the leaves do not need to be green and do not need to respond to light, as the energy is supplied by solar cells. Option D is incorrect because photosynthesis converts light energy to chemical energy, not electrical energy.

It Has Been Suggested That Scientists Mimic Photosynthesis by Building