Photosynthesis is the process through which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water as reactants. The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis can be simplified as follows:
\[ 6 , \text{CO}_2 + 6 , \text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{light}} , \text{C}6\text{H}{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 , \text{O}_2 \]
Where:
- \(\text{CO}_2\) is carbon dioxide
- \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) is water
- \(\text{C}6\text{H}{12}\text{O}_6\) is glucose
- \(\text{O}_2\) is oxygen
Reactant Side:
- Carbon (C): 6 (from 6 CO₂)
- Hydrogen (H): 12 (from 6 H₂O)
- Oxygen (O): 18 (6 from CO₂ and 6 from H₂O)
Product Side:
- Carbon (C): 6 (from C₆H₁₂O₆)
- Hydrogen (H): 12 (from C₆H₁₂O₆)
- Oxygen (O): 18 (6 from C₆H₁₂O₆ and 6 from 6 O₂)
Summary:
-
Reactants:
- Carbon: 6
- Hydrogen: 12
- Oxygen: 18
-
Products:
- Carbon: 6
- Hydrogen: 12
- Oxygen: 18
In summary, the number of atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen is balanced on both sides of the equation, reflecting the conservation of mass in the process of photosynthesis.