Question

this model shows the process of photosynthesis. the law of conservation of mass reminds us that matter is neither created nor destroyed, so the atoms present in the reactants of photosynthesis are still present in the products of photosynthesis. which of these equations accurately portrays this fact? a co₂ + h₂o + light energy → c₆h₁₂o₆ + o₂ b 6co₂ + 6h₂o + light energy → c₆h₁₂o₆ + 6o₂ c 6o₂ + 6h₂o + light energy → c₆h₁₂o₆ + 6co₂ d 6co₂ + 6h₂o + light energy → 6c₆h₁₂o₆ + 6o₂

Explanation:

Step1: Recall photosynthesis equation

The general equation for photosynthesis is \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O+\text{light energy}
ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\). This equation shows that carbon - dioxide and water react in the presence of light energy to form glucose and oxygen. According to the law of conservation of mass, the number of atoms of each element in the reactants must equal the number of atoms of the same element in the products.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A: \(CO_2 + H_2O+\text{light energy}

ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + O_2\) is not balanced as the number of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms on both sides are not equal.

• Option B: \(6CO_2+6H_2O + \text{light energy}

ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6+6O_2\) is the correct balanced equation for photosynthesis which follows the law of conservation of mass.

• Option C: \(6O_2 + 6H_2O+\text{light energy}

ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6+6CO_2\) has the reactants and products reversed compared to the actual photosynthesis process.

• Option D: \(6CO_2+6H_2O+\text{light energy}

ightarrow 6C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\) is not balanced as the number of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms on both sides are not equal.

Answer:

B. \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O+\text{light energy}
ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\)