To determine the reactants in the chemical equation for photosynthesis, let's review what photosynthesis is and what substances are involved in this biological process.
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, specifically in the form of glucose (a type of sugar). Fundamental to this process are the reactants and the products involved. The overall chemical formula for photosynthesis can be summarized in a simplified equation.
The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
[tex]\[6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{O}_2\][/tex]
From this balanced equation, we see:
- The reactants (substances used up in the reaction) are carbon dioxide ([tex]\(\text{CO}_2\)[/tex]) and water ([tex]\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)[/tex]).
- The products (substances produced by the reaction) are glucose ([tex]\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6\)[/tex]) and oxygen ([tex]\(\text{O}_2\)[/tex]).
Now, examining the provided options:
1. [tex]\(6 \text{CO}_2 + \text{O}_2\)[/tex]
2. [tex]\(6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O}\)[/tex]
3. [tex]\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{O}_2\)[/tex]
4. [tex]\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O}\)[/tex]
Option 1 lists carbon dioxide and oxygen, but does not include water, which we know is a necessary reactant.
Option 3 lists glucose and oxygen, which are the products, not the reactants.
Option 4 lists glucose and water, which again does not include the essential carbon dioxide reactant and lists glucose (a product) instead of as a reactant.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O}\][/tex]
This option correctly represents the reactants involved in the chemical equation for photosynthesis.
