The diagram shows a summary of photosynthesis. What substances do each of the letters represent? a W is H2O; X is O2; Y is glucose; and Z is CO2. b W is O2; X is H2O; Y is CO2; and Z is glucose. c W is H2O; X is O2; Y is CO2; and Z is glucose. d W is CO2; X is O2; Y is H2O; and Z is glucose.

Answer 1

Photosynthesis can be summarized by the following equation:

\[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]

From this equation, we can identify the substances involved:

• W (reactant) represents H₂O (water).
• X (product) represents O₂ (oxygen).
• Y (product) represents glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
• Z (reactant) represents CO₂ (carbon dioxide).

Based on this understanding, the correct answer that corresponds to the letters and their compounds is:

a W is H₂O; X is O₂; Y is glucose; and Z is CO₂.