Question

In the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis, how many molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2) are on the reactant side?

a. 2
b. 12
c. 6
d. 1

Answer 1

In the photosynthesis equation, there are 6 molecules of carbon dioxide on the reactant side.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis, there are 6 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2) on the reactant side. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. The balanced chemical equation representing this process is:

6CO2(g) + 6H2O(l) → C6H12O6(s) + 6O2(g)

In this equation, 6 molecules of carbon dioxide and 6 molecules of water react in the presence of sunlight to produce one molecule of glucose and 6 molecules of oxygen. This photosynthetic process is essential for life on Earth as it produces the oxygen we breathe and is a key part of the carbon cycle.