Question

photosynthesis: energy conversion quick check
which is a simplified equation for photosynthesis? (1 point)
o carbon dioxide + water + light - sugar + oxygen
o water + oxygen - carbon dioxide + sugar + light
o sugar + water - carbon dioxide + oxygen + light
o carbon dioxide + oxygen + light - sugar + water

Explanation:

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), water (\(H_2O\)), and light energy to produce sugar (glucose, \(C_6H_{12}O_6\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)). We check each option:

• Option 1: carbon dioxide + water + light → sugar + oxygen. This matches the reactants (carbon dioxide, water, light) and products (sugar, oxygen) of photosynthesis.
• Option 2: water + oxygen → carbon dioxide + sugar + light. Oxygen is a product, not a reactant in photosynthesis.
• Option 3: sugar + water → carbon dioxide + oxygen + light. Sugar is a product, not a reactant in photosynthesis.
• Option 4: carbon dioxide + oxygen + light → sugar + water. Oxygen is a product, not a reactant in photosynthesis.

Answer:

carbon dioxide + water + light → sugar + oxygen