To determine which equation best represents conservation of matter, we need to ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This means counting the atoms of each element on the reactant side (left side) and the product side (right side) for each equation.
-
Equation: \( 6H_2O + 10CO_2 \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 4O_2 \)
- Reactants: 6 H from water, 20 O from carbon dioxide (10 CO2) = a total of 6 H and 26 O (6 from water and 20 from CO2), and 10 C.
- Products: 6 C from glucose, 12 H from glucose, and 10 O from glucose plus 8 O from O2 (4 O2).
- Total product: 6 C, 12 H, and 18 O (10 O + 8 O).
- Not balanced.
-
Equation: \( 6H_2O + 6CO_2 \rightarrow C_3H_6O_3 + 3O_2 \)
- Reactants: 6 H from water, 6 C from CO2, and 12 O (6 from water and 6 from CO2).
- Products: 3 C from glucose, 6 H from glucose, 3 O from glucose, and 6 O from O2 (3 O2).
- Total product: 3 C, 6 H, and 9 O (3 + 6).
- Not balanced.
-
Equation: \( 3H_2O + 3CO_2 \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \)
- Reactants: 6 H from water, 6 C from CO2, and 12 O (3 from water and 9 from CO2).
- Products: 6 C from glucose, 12 H from glucose, and 12 O from O2.
- Total product: 6 C, 12 H, and 12 O.
- Not balanced.
-
Equation: \( 6H_2O + 6CO_2 \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \)
- Reactants: 12 H from water, 6 C from CO2, and 12 O (6 from water and 6 from CO2).
- Products: 6 C from glucose, 12 H from glucose, and 12 O from O2.
- Total product: 6 C, 12 H, and 12 O.
- This equation is balanced.
Conclusion: The equation that best represents conservation of matter is: \[ 6H_2O + 6CO_2 \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]