Question

the graph below shows the relative change in energy level for the reactants and the products for photosynthesis.
given the energy levels modeled in the graph, which statement accurately compares the energy of the products and the reactants with regards to photosynthesis?
water and oxygen have the highest energy compared to glucose and carbon dioxide.
glucose and oxygen gas have higher energy levels compared to water and carbon dioxide.
glucose and water have the same energy levels compared to carbon dioxide and oxygen gas.

Explanation:

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. In an energy - level diagram for an endothermic reaction (which photosynthesis is, as it absorbs energy from sunlight), the products have higher energy than the reactants.

• Option A: Water (\(H_2O\)) and carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) are reactants in photosynthesis, and glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)) are products. Reactants (water and carbon dioxide) do not have higher energy than products in photosynthesis.
• Option B: Since photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction (energy is absorbed and stored in the chemical bonds of the products), the products (glucose and oxygen) have higher energy levels than the reactants (water and carbon dioxide).
• Option C: Glucose and oxygen (products) have different energy levels than water and carbon dioxide (reactants) in the context of photosynthesis.

Answer:

B. Glucose and oxygen gas have higher energy levels compared to water and carbon dioxide.