In one or two sentences, explain how the chemical equation for photosynthesis shows that plants cycle matter. Include the number of molecules and atoms involved to support your explanation.
1 answer
The chemical equation for photosynthesis, 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2, demonstrates how plants are able to cycle matter by converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen. This process involves 6 molecules of carbon dioxide, 6 molecules of water, and results in the creation of 1 molecule of glucose and 6 molecules of oxygen, showing a transformation of matter within the plant.