Question

In the photosynthesis equation, what does the subscript number mean?

Question 2 options:


Number of molecules


Number of protons


Number of electrons


Number of atoms

Answer 1

The equation for photosynthesis is: 6H2O + 6 CO2 --> C6H12O6 + 6O2 The numerals in each part of the equation (without balancing it) mean: H2 = 2 atoms of Hydrogen O = 1 atom of Oxygen } H2O=water C = 1 atom of Carbon O2 = 2 atoms of Oxygen } CO2= Carbon Dioxide C6 = 6 atoms of Carbon H12 = 12 atoms of Hydrogen O6= 6 atoms of Oxygen } C6H12O6 } Glucose O2 = 2 atoms of Oxygen } O2 = Oxygen When balanced: 6H2O = 6 molecules of water 6CO2 = 6 molecules of Carbon dioxide C6H12O6 = Glucose 6O2 = 6 molecules of Oxygen.

Answer 2

The correct answer is "Number of atoms"

Step-by-step explanation:

Photosynthesis is a unique metabolic process carried out by certain cells of those autotrophic organisms capable of elaborating their own organic matter with inorganic substances by using the energy provided by sunlight. In other words, photosynthesis is the process by which plants make their own food. For that, they need air, sun, light and water and thus, they can live and develop.

The general chemical reaction for photosynthesis is 6 moles of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and 6 moles of water (H₂O), with the addition of solar energy. This produces 1 mole of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and 6 moles of oxygen (O₂). That is, the equation is represented as:

6 H₂O + 6 CO₂ --> C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂

The letters represent elements present in the species that reacts or is produced. The numbers that appear as subscripts indicate the number of atoms of the element immediately before the subscript that appear in each species and, if no subscript appears, it indicates that an atom is present.

So, the correct answer is "Number of atoms"