Question

what does 6h₂o represent in the chemical equation for cellular respiration? (1 point)
twelve atoms of oxygen
six molecules of water
twelve molecules of water
six atoms of hydrogen

Explanation:

In chemical notation, the coefficient in front of a formula indicates the number of molecules. Here, the coefficient is 6 and the formula is \(H_2O\) (water). So, \(6H_2O\) means 6 molecules of water.

• For "Twelve atoms of oxygen": In \(6H_2O\), the number of oxygen atoms is \(6\times1 = 6\) (since each \(H_2O\) has 1 O atom), so this is incorrect.
• For "Twelve molecules of water": The coefficient is 6, not 12, so this is wrong.
• For "Six atoms of hydrogen": In \(6H_2O\), the number of hydrogen atoms is \(6\times2=12\) (since each \(H_2O\) has 2 H atoms), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

Six molecules of water.