Question

Electrons removed from H₂O molecules are transported through the photosystems and photosynthetic electron transport chain and are ultimately used to reduce NADP⁺ to NADPH. At what point do the electrons have the greatest amount of potential energy? Explain

a. when they are transferred to the cytochrome complex of the electron transport chain

b. after capturing energy from sunlight in the reaction center of photosystem II

c. after capturing energy from sunlight in the reaction center of photosystem I

d. just after being removed from the H₂O molecule

e. when they are transferred to the cytochrome complex of the electron transport chain

Answer 1

d)just after being removed from the H2O molecule

                                 the same charge, the electric potential is greatest at locations of higher potential energy.The + charge is moving with nature; work is not required when it moves with the E field.When a + charge moves naturally in the direction of the E field, it is moving from high PE to low PE.