This is the summary formula for photosynthesis:

6CO2+6H20 yields C6H12O6+6O2

Refer to the summary formula for photosynthesis. If you know the number of molecules or moles of any of the reactants used (or products produced), how would you calculate the number of molecules or moles of all of the other reactants needed and products produced?

This question goes completely over my head. I'm confused.

look at the ratios:

ratio example: oxygen to carbon dioxide=6/6=1

ratio example glucose to oxygen 1/6
or
ratio water to glucose 6/1

I have the same question

No worries! I can break it down for you.

The summary formula for photosynthesis shows the reactants and products involved in the process. The reactants are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), and the products are glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2).

To determine the number of molecules or moles of reactants and products, you can use the concept of stoichiometry. Stoichiometry is a quantitative relationship between the amounts of reactants and products in a chemical reaction.

Here's how you can approach the calculation:

Step 1: Determine the known quantity
Let's say you know the number of molecules or moles of one of the reactants (e.g., CO2). This will serve as your starting point.

Step 2: Write a balanced equation
Make sure the equation is balanced, meaning the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation is equal.

Step 3: Use the mole ratio
In the balanced equation, you can determine the mole ratio between the known reactant and the other reactant or product in question. For example, in the equation, the mole ratio between CO2 and glucose (C6H12O6) is 6:1. This means for every 6 moles of CO2, you get 1 mole of glucose.

Step 4: Apply the mole ratio
Using the mole ratio, you can calculate the number of molecules or moles of the reactant or product you are interested in. Multiply the known quantity (from step 1) by the appropriate mole ratio.

For example, if you know the number of moles of CO2, you can multiply it by the mole ratio of CO2 to glucose (6:1). This will give you the number of moles of glucose produced.

Step 5: Repeat for other reactants/products
You can repeat steps 3 and 4 for other reactants or products to calculate their quantities based on the known quantity.

Remember, stoichiometry calculations involve using the coefficients in a balanced chemical equation to relate the quantities of different substances. It's all about using ratios and proportions to convert between moles or molecules of different reactants and products.

I hope this clarifies the process for you!