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

Answer 1

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). The general equation for photosynthesis is:

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

From this equation, we can identify the substances associated with the letters based on the diagram you mentioned:

• W is H2O (water)
• X is O2 (oxygen, a byproduct of photosynthesis)
• Y is CO2 (carbon dioxide)
• Z is glucose (the product of photosynthesis)

So the correct representation from the options you've provided would be: a W is H2O; X is O2; Y is CO2; and Z is glucose.