Which is the correct chemical equation for photosynthesis?
A. $6 CO _2+6 H _2 O$ ® $C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 O _2$
B. $C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 O _2$ ® $6 CO _2+6 H _2 O$
C. $3 CO _2+3 H _2 O +3 O _2$ ® $C _6 H _{12} O _6$
D. $6 O _2+6 H _2 O$ ® $C _6 H _{12} O _6+6 CO _2$
Answer (1)
Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen.
The reactants are C O 2 and H 2 O , and the products are C 6 H 12 O 6 and O 2 .
The correct equation must show these reactants and products in the proper direction.
The correct equation 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 by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, resulting in the production of glucose (a sugar) and oxygen. The reactants are carbon dioxide and water, and the products are glucose and oxygen. The general equation for photosynthesis is:
Analyzing the Options Now, let's examine the given options:
Option 1: 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 - This equation shows carbon dioxide and water as reactants, and glucose and oxygen as products. This matches the process of photosynthesis.
Option 2: C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O - This equation represents cellular respiration, the reverse of photosynthesis, where glucose and oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide and water.
Option 3: 3 C O 2 + 3 H 2 O + 3 O 2 → C 6 H 12 O 6 - This equation is incorrect as it includes oxygen as a reactant and does not produce oxygen as a product, and the stoichiometry is also incorrect.
Option 4: 6 O 2 + 6 H 2 O → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 C O 2 - This equation is incorrect because it uses oxygen as a reactant and produces carbon dioxide as a product, which is not photosynthesis.
Identifying the Correct Equation The correct equation for photosynthesis is the one that shows carbon dioxide and water reacting to form glucose and oxygen. Therefore, the correct equation is:
Final 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 vital for life on Earth. It's how plants create their own food (glucose) using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Imagine a forest: trees use photosynthesis to grow, providing oxygen for us to breathe and food for animals. This process also helps regulate the Earth's climate by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Understanding photosynthesis helps us appreciate the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving plant life.
