To determine what information is not given by the chemical reaction equation of photosynthesis:
[tex]\[ 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2 \][/tex]
Let's analyze each of the provided options:
1. It does not show if the reaction is reversible.
- The equation as presented does not include a double arrow ([tex]\(\leftrightarrow\)[/tex]) that would indicate reversibility. Therefore, it does not explicitly show if the reaction can proceed in both directions (reversible) or only in one direction.
2. It does not show the reactants needed for the reaction.
- The equation clearly lists [tex]\( CO_2 \)[/tex] (carbon dioxide) and [tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex] (water) as the reactants on the left side of the arrow. Hence, it does show the reactants needed for the reaction.
3. It does not show that photosynthesis consists of many separate steps.
- The equation is a simplified representation of the overall process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is indeed a complex process involving multiple steps, such as the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. The equation provided does not elaborate on these separate steps, it only sums up the overall input and output.
4. It does not show the number of molecules required to produce glucose.
- The equation indicates the stoichiometric coefficients, showing that 6 molecules of [tex]\( CO_2 \)[/tex] and 6 molecules of [tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex] are required to produce 1 molecule of [tex]\( C_6H_{12}O_6 \)[/tex] (glucose) and 6 molecules of [tex]\( O_2 \)[/tex] (oxygen). Thus, it provides the number of molecules required for the reaction.
Based on this analysis, the information that is not provided by the equation is:
3. It does not show that photosynthesis consists of many separate steps.
This option highlights the fact that while the given equation summarizes the overall chemical change, it does not describe the detailed stages and mechanisms involved in the process of photosynthesis.
