What is photolysis in the context of chemical compounds?

Photolysis refers specifically to the breakdown of chemical compounds due to the energy provided by sunlight. This process occurs when light photons are absorbed by a substance, which then results in the breaking of chemical bonds within the compound, leading to the formation of new products. The sun's energy provides the necessary activation energy to initiate these reactions, making photolysis an important phenomenon in both natural processes, like the degradation of pollutants in water bodies, and in various industrial applications.

In contrast, other options describe different processes. A refers to changes caused primarily by heat, which would be classified under thermolysis, while C highlights transformation due to microbial activity, which involves biological processes rather than light energy. D discusses the synthesis of new compounds, which does not relate to the breakdown of substances but rather to their formation. Understanding photolysis is crucial for effective aquatic pest control as it can influence the effectiveness and degradation rates of chemical applications in water bodies.