Question 10
Which equation best summarizes the overall reactions of photosynthesis?
a
6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H1206 + 6O2
b
6O2 + C6H1206 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
c
6O2 + 6H2O + 6CO2 → C6H1206
d
6CO2 + 6O2 → C6H1206 + 6H2O
a) 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H1206 + 6O2
The correct answer is A.
The equation 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H1206 + 6O2 best summarizes the overall reactions of photosynthesis. This equation represents the process by which plants use carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) in the presence of light energy to produce glucose (C6H1206) and oxygen (O2).
To determine the equation that best summarizes the overall reactions of photosynthesis, we need to understand the process of photosynthesis and the reactants and products involved.
Photosynthesis is a process in which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight energy into chemical energy. The reactants of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), while the products are glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2).
Let's analyze each option:
a) 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H1206 + 6O2
This equation correctly represents photosynthesis because it shows the reactants (6CO2 + 6H2O) combining to produce the products (C6H12O6 + 6O2). Oxygen is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis, and glucose is synthesized as an energy-rich molecule.
b) 6O2 + C6H1206 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
This equation does not represent photosynthesis. It shows the reverse reaction where glucose and oxygen are combining to produce carbon dioxide and water. This is the equation for cellular respiration, a process that occurs in organisms to extract energy from glucose.
c) 6O2 + 6H2O + 6CO2 → C6H1206
This equation is incorrect as it only shows the reactants without any products. It is missing the oxygen production and glucose synthesis.
d) 6CO2 + 6O2 → C6H1206 + 6H2O
This equation incorrectly represents photosynthesis. It shows carbon dioxide and oxygen combining to produce glucose and water. However, photosynthesis requires water as a reactant and produces oxygen as a byproduct, not vice versa.
Based on the analysis, the correct equation that summarizes the overall reactions of photosynthesis is option a:
6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H1206 + 6O2.