Write the balanced general equation for photosynthesis.

Write the balanced general equation for photosynthesis.

• A. 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
• B. C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O
• C. 6 CO2 + 6 H2O → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O
• D. CO2 + H2O + light energy → CH2O + O2

Answer: (A)

Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into a carbohydrate (glucose) and oxygen, building chemical energy from light. The balanced general equation shows the exact amounts: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2. Count the atoms: there are 6 carbons on each side, 12 hydrogens on each side, and 18 oxygens on each side (12 from CO2 and 6 from H2O on the left; 6 in C6H12O6 and 12 in 6 O2 on the right). The light energy term is essential because this reaction requires energy input to drive the synthesis of glucose. Other formulations either depict the reverse process (respiration), or aren’t balanced and don’t correctly show the production of glucose and oxygen from CO2 and H2O.

Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into a carbohydrate (glucose) and oxygen, building chemical energy from light. The balanced general equation shows the exact amounts: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2. Count the atoms: there are 6 carbons on each side, 12 hydrogens on each side, and 18 oxygens on each side (12 from CO2 and 6 from H2O on the left; 6 in C6H12O6 and 12 in 6 O2 on the right). The light energy term is essential because this reaction requires energy input to drive the synthesis of glucose.

Other formulations either depict the reverse process (respiration), or aren’t balanced and don’t correctly show the production of glucose and oxygen from CO2 and H2O.