Chapter 7: Problem 2

Write and then explain the equation for photosynthesis.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The equation for photosynthesis can be written as: \[ 6CO2 + 6H2O \xrightarrow{light} C6H12O6 + 6O2 \] This equation shows that in the presence of light, six molecules of carbon dioxide (6CO2) and six molecules of water (6H2O) are converted into one molecule of glucose (C6H12O6) and six molecules of oxygen (6O2). The glucose is used by the photosynthetic organisms for energy and growth, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct.

Step by step solution

Identify the reactants of photosynthesis

The reactants of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). These two compounds are combined within the photosynthetic organisms in the presence of light, as a source of energy, to produce glucose (energy-storing molecule) and oxygen (O2).

Identify the products of photosynthesis

The products of photosynthesis are glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). Glucose is a sugar used by the photosynthetic organisms for energy and growth, while oxygen is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct.

Write the unbalanced equation for photosynthesis

Before balancing the equation, we can write the unbalanced equation by placing the reactants and products in their respective sides. The unbalanced equation for photosynthesis is as follows: \[ CO2 + H2O \xrightarrow{light} C6H12O6 + O2 \]

Balance the equation for photosynthesis

In order to balance the equation for photosynthesis, we must ensure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation. The balanced equation for photosynthesis is: \[ 6CO2 + 12H2O \xrightarrow{light} C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O \]

Simplify the balanced equation

We can further simplify the balanced equation by removing the 6H2O from both sides of the equation. The simplified balanced equation for photosynthesis is: \[ 6CO2 + 6H2O \xrightarrow{light} C6H12O6 + 6O2 \]

Explain the equation for photosynthesis

The equation for photosynthesis represents the transformation of light energy into chemical energy stored as glucose, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. In this process, six molecules of carbon dioxide (6CO2) and six molecules of water (6H2O) are utilized in the presence of light energy, resulting in the production of one molecule of glucose (C6H12O6) and six molecules of oxygen (6O2).

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Write and then explain the equation for photosynthesis.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the reactants of photosynthesis

Identify the products of photosynthesis

Write the unbalanced equation for photosynthesis

Balance the equation for photosynthesis

Simplify the balanced equation

Explain the equation for photosynthesis

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