The equation that best represents conservation of matter is the one where the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This means that the total mass of reactants must equal the total mass of products.
Let's analyze the given equations for conservation of matter:
-
3H2O + 3CO2 → C6H12O6 + 6O2
- Reactants:
- H: \(3 \times 2 = 6\)
- C: \(3 \times 1 = 3\)
- O: \(3 + (3 \times 2) = 9\)
- Products:
- H: \(12\)
- C: \(6\)
- O: \(6 + 6 = 12\)
- (Not balanced)
- Reactants:
-
6H2O + 10CO2 → C6H12O6 + 4O2
- Reactants:
- H: \(6 \times 2 = 12\)
- C: \(10\)
- O: \(6 + (10 \times 2) = 26\)
- Products:
- H: \(12\)
- C: \(6\)
- O: \(6 + 8 = 14\)
- (Not balanced)
- Reactants:
-
6H2O + 6CO2 → C6H12O6 + 6O2
- Reactants:
- H: \(6 \times 2 = 12\)
- C: \(6\)
- O: \(6 + (6 \times 2) = 18\)
- Products:
- H: \(12\)
- C: \(6\)
- O: \(6 + 6 = 12\)
- (Not balanced)
- Reactants:
-
6H2O + 6CO2 → C3H6O3 + 3O2
- Reactants:
- H: \(6 \times 2 = 12\)
- C: \(6\)
- O: \(6 + (6 \times 2) = 18\)
- Products:
- H: \(6\)
- C: \(3\)
- O: \(3 + 6 = 9\)
- (Not balanced)
- Reactants:
From this analysis, it appears none of the equations are balanced in terms of atoms, thus none perfectly represents the conservation of matter. However, the third equation is the most balanced in terms of hydrogen, which is an important element in terms of mass conservation and represents a typical photosynthesis reaction. It’s worth noting that if there were a correct option that perfectly balanced all components, it would be the best representative of the conservation of matter.
If none of the given responses accurately reflect this crucial aspect, please review the equations or provide additional options.