The chemical equation for cellular respiration, \( C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \), demonstrates that plants cycle matter by using 1 molecule of glucose (containing 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen atoms) and 6 molecules of oxygen (6 additional oxygen atoms) to produce 6 molecules of carbon dioxide (6 carbon and 12 oxygen atoms) and 6 molecules of water (12 hydrogen and 6 oxygen atoms), thus recycling the elements for use in photosynthesis and maintaining the balance of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the ecosystem.
In one or two sentences, explain how the chemical equation for cellular respiration shows that plants cycle matter. Include the numbers of molecules and atoms involved to support your explanation. Thank you
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