What condition describes the process of photons freeing more electrons in a relatively poor conductor?

The correct choice highlights photoconduction, which refers to the phenomenon where the conductivity of a material increases when it absorbs light, specifically photons. In the context of a relatively poor conductor, photons can impart energy to electrons, allowing some of them to break free from their atomic bonds and contribute to electrical conduction. This increase in free charge carriers enhances the material's ability to conduct electricity temporarily while illuminated.

In contrast, photovoltaics refers to the conversion of light into electrical energy using semiconductor devices, primarily focusing on generating power rather than changes in conductivity in poor conductors. Photoresistance describes a material's change in resistance due to light exposure but does not explicitly address the freeing of electrons. Photoemission involves the ejection of electrons from a material upon absorption of photons but typically applies to vacuum environments, solid surfaces, or specialized semiconductor applications, rather than describing the overall conductivity change in poor conductors. Thus, photoconduction best fits the scenario described in the question.