Question

1. which of the following represents the correct balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis?\

\\( \mathrm{co}_2 + \mathrm{h}_2\mathrm{o} \
ightarrow \mathrm{c}_6\mathrm{h}_{12}\mathrm{o}_6 + \mathrm{o}_2 \\)\
\\( 6\mathrm{co}_2 + 6\mathrm{h}_2\mathrm{o} + \text{light} \
ightarrow \mathrm{c}_6\mathrm{h}_{12}\mathrm{o}_6 + 6\mathrm{o}_2 \\)\
\\( \mathrm{c}_6\mathrm{h}_{12}\mathrm{o}_6 + 6\mathrm{o}_2 \
ightarrow 6\mathrm{co}_2 + 6\mathrm{h}_2\mathrm{o} \\)\
\\( 6\mathrm{o}_2 + \mathrm{c}_6\mathrm{h}_{12}\mathrm{o}_6 \
ightarrow 6\mathrm{co}_2 + 6\mathrm{h}_2\mathrm{o} + \text{atp} \\)

Explanation:

1. Recall the process of photosynthesis: Plants use carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), water (\(H_2O\)), and light energy to produce glucose (\(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)).
2. Check the balancing of atoms:

• For the second option \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light}

ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\):

• Carbon: 6 on left (from \(6CO_2\)) and 6 on right (in \(C_6H_{12}O_6\)).
• Hydrogen: 12 on left (from \(6H_2O\)) and 12 on right (in \(C_6H_{12}O_6\)).
• Oxygen: 18 on left (6×2 from \(CO_2\) + 6×1 from \(H_2O\)) and 18 on right (6×2 from \(O_2\) + 6 from \(C_6H_{12}O_6\)). Also, light is included as the energy source, which is correct for photosynthesis.
• The first option is unbalanced (e.g., C:1 vs 6, H:2 vs 12, O:3 vs 8).
• The third option is the equation for cellular respiration (glucose breakdown), not photosynthesis.
• The fourth option also represents cellular respiration (with ATP production) and not photosynthesis.

Answer:

B. \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light}
ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\) (assuming the options are labeled as A, B, C, D with the second option being B)