Question

In _____ reactions, molecules absorbing light do not themselves react but induce other molecules to react.

(a) Photosensitized

(b) Thermal

(c) Irreversible

(d) Dark

I had been asked this question during an interview.

This key question is from Photochemical Reactions in section Photochemistry of Engineering Chemistry I

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) Photosensitized

The explanation is: The reactions in which molecules absorbing light do not themselves react but induce other molecules to react are called photosensitized reactions. The reactions which are caused by heat and in absence of light is called thermal or dark reactions.