Question

In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) combine to form the sugar glucose (C6H12O6) in the following reaction:

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C6H12O6 + ?
Assuming this equation is balanced, which part is missing from the product side?
(1 point)
O 6 carbon atoms
O 6 oxygen atoms
O 12 hydrogen atoms
12 oxygen atoms

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + ?

To have a balanced equation there must be the same number on both sides of the equation for each type of atom.

There are 6 carbons on the left and right sides of the equation, so they are balanced.

There are 12 hydrogens on the left and right sides of the equation, so they are balanced.

There are 18 total oxygen atoms on the left side of the equation, but there are 6 oxygen atoms on the right side of the equation.

We need 12 more oxygen atoms on the right side of the equation to have a complete and balanced equation.

Add 12 more oxygen atoms in the form of 6O₂ on the right side of the equation. Now there is a total of 18 oxygen atoms on the left and right sides of the equation.

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂