Which is the correct chemical equation for photosynthesis?
$6 CO _2+6 H _2 O$ (R) $C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 O _2$
$C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 O _2$ (R) $6 CO _2+6 H _2 O$
$3 CO _2+3 H _2 O +3 O _2 C _6 H _{12} O _6$
$6 O _2+6 H _2 O$ (R) $C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 CO _2$
Answer (2)
Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen.
Balance the carbon atoms: 6 C O 2 + H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2 .
Balance the hydrogen atoms: 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2 .
Balance the oxygen atoms: 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 . The balanced equation is 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 .
Explanation
Understanding Photosynthesis The question asks for the correct chemical equation for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. The equation must be balanced, meaning the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation.
The Unbalanced Equation The general equation for photosynthesis is:
C O 2 + H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2
We need to balance this equation.
Balancing Carbon First, let's balance the carbon atoms. There are 6 carbon atoms in glucose ( C 6 H 12 O 6 ), so we need 6 molecules of carbon dioxide ( C O 2 ):
6 C O 2 + H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2
Balancing Hydrogen Next, let's balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 12 hydrogen atoms in glucose ( C 6 H 12 O 6 ), so we need 6 molecules of water ( 6 H 2 O ):
6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2
Balancing Oxygen Now, let's balance the oxygen atoms. On the left side, we have 6 carbon dioxide molecules ( 6 C O 2 ) and 6 water molecules ( 6 H 2 O ), giving us a total of ( 6 × 2 ) + ( 6 × 1 ) = 12 + 6 = 18 oxygen atoms. On the right side, we have 6 oxygen atoms in glucose ( C 6 H 12 O 6 ). To balance the oxygen atoms, we need 6 molecules of oxygen ( 6 O 2 ):
6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2
The Balanced Equation Finally, let's check if the equation is balanced:
Carbon: 6 atoms on both sides
Hydrogen: 12 atoms on both sides
Oxygen: 18 atoms on both sides
The balanced equation is:
6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2
The Answer The correct chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2
Examples
Photosynthesis is the foundation of most food chains on Earth. Plants use this process to convert sunlight into energy, which is then consumed by animals. Understanding the balanced equation helps us appreciate the precise amounts of reactants (carbon dioxide and water) needed to produce glucose and oxygen, which are vital for life. For example, farmers can optimize growing conditions by ensuring adequate water and carbon dioxide levels, leading to better crop yields. Similarly, scientists can study the impact of changing environmental conditions, such as increased carbon dioxide levels, on photosynthetic rates and plant growth.
The correct chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6 CO 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 . This equation shows that six carbon dioxide molecules and six water molecules produce one glucose molecule and six oxygen molecules. This process is crucial for plant life and oxygen production on Earth.
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