Answer the following questions about the generalized photosynthesis equation:

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

What are the reactants of photosynthesis? Check all that apply.

A. carbon dioxide
B. glucose
C. oxygen
D. water



Answer :

To determine the reactants of the photosynthesis process, we need to analyze the given chemical equation:

[tex]\[ 6 \text{ CO}_2 + 6 \text{ H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{ C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{ O}_2 \][/tex]

This equation represents the process of photosynthesis. In a chemical equation:
- The substances on the left side of the arrow ( \(\rightarrow\) ) are the reactants.
- The substances on the right side of the arrow are the products.

Therefore, for the given equation:

Reactants (left side):
- \( 6 \text{ CO}_2 \) (carbon dioxide)
- \( 6 \text{ H}_2\text{O} \) (water)

Products (right side):
- \( \text{ C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 \) (glucose)
- \( 6 \text{ O}_2 \) (oxygen)

Based on this breakdown, the reactants in the photosynthesis process are:
- Carbon dioxide (\( \text{ CO}_2 \))
- Water (\( \text{ H}_2\text{O} \))

Thus, the correct answers to the question "What are the reactants of photosynthesis?" are:

- Carbon dioxide
- Water

The other options, glucose and oxygen, are not reactants, but products of the photosynthesis process.