Explain briefly photolysis.

Photolysis is a chemical process in which molecules are broken down or altered by the absorption of light energy, typically from the ultraviolet (UV) or visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. This process occurs when photons of light are absorbed by molecules, causing them to become excited and undergo chemical reactions.

During photolysis, the absorbed energy can lead to the breaking of chemical bonds within the molecule, resulting in the formation of new molecules or the release of smaller chemical fragments. This process is important in various natural and industrial processes, such as photosynthesis in plants, the breakdown of pollutants in the atmosphere, and the degradation of certain chemicals in environmental and chemical reactions.

In summary, photolysis involves the use of light energy to break chemical bonds and initiate chemical reactions, and it plays a significant role in various natural and synthetic processes.