Question

Which chemical process represents the conservation of matter? (Select all that apply.)(4 points)
Responses

6H2O + 6CO2 → C6H12O6 + 6O2
6H 2 O + 6CO 2 → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6H2O + 6CO2
C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2 → 6H 2 O + 6CO 2

photosynthesis
photosynthesis

cellular respiration
cellular respiration

Answer 1

The conservation of matter principle states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction, only rearranged. This means that the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of a chemical equation.

The following processes represent the conservation of matter:

1. **6H2O + 6CO2 → C6H12O6 + 6O2** (Photosynthesis)
2. **C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6H2O + 6CO2** (Cellular respiration)

Both equations show that the number of atoms of each element (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) is the same on both sides of the equation. Therefore, both photosynthesis and cellular respiration are examples of the conservation of matter through these chemical processes.

In summary, you should select:
- 6H2O + 6CO2 → C6H12O6 + 6O2
- C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6H2O + 6CO2
- Photosynthesis
- Cellular respiration