Which of these equations best summarizes photosynthesis?
A. [tex]$H _2 O \rightarrow 2 H ^{+}+1 / 2 O _2+2 e ^{-}$[/tex]
B. [tex]$6 CO _2+6 O _2 \rightarrow C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 H _2 O$[/tex]
C. [tex]$C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 O _2 \rightarrow 6 CO _2+6 H _2 O +$[/tex] Energy
D. [tex]$6 CO _2+6 H _2 O \rightarrow C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 O _2$[/tex]
E. [tex]$C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 O _2 \rightarrow 6 CO _2+12 H _2 O$[/tex]
Answer (2)
Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen.
Analyze each equation to determine which one correctly represents the process.
Equation 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 accurately shows the reactants and products of photosynthesis.
The equation that best summarizes photosynthesis is 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 .
Explanation
Understanding Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is the process where plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose (a type of sugar). This process uses carbon dioxide and water as reactants and produces glucose and oxygen as products. We need to identify the equation that accurately represents this process.
Analyzing the Equations Let's examine each equation:
H 2 O → 2 H + + 1/2 O 2 + 2 e − : This equation represents the splitting of water molecules, which occurs during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. While it's a part of photosynthesis, it doesn't represent the overall process.
6 C O 2 + 6 O 2 → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 H 2 O : This equation is incorrect because it shows carbon dioxide reacting with oxygen, which is not what happens in photosynthesis.
C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + Energy: This equation represents cellular respiration, the process where glucose is broken down to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water. It's the opposite of photosynthesis.
6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 : This equation correctly represents photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide and water are the reactants, and glucose and oxygen are the products.
C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 → 6 C O 2 + 12 H 2 O : This equation is another form of cellular respiration, similar to equation 3, but with a different water balance.
Identifying the Correct Equation The equation that best summarizes photosynthesis is:
6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2
Examples
Photosynthesis is how plants make their own food! Just like you need ingredients to bake a cake, plants need carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. Using sunlight as their oven, they bake glucose (sugar) for energy and release oxygen as a byproduct. This process not only sustains plants but also provides the oxygen we breathe, making it a fundamental process for life on Earth.
The equation that best summarizes photosynthesis is 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 . This equation accurately reflects how plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy. Options A, B, C, and E do not correctly represent this essential biological process.
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