The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
The Photosynthesis Equation
6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂
As described in the reference, this equation represents the process where six molecules of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and six molecules of water (H₂O) react in the presence of sunlight (often indicated above the arrow) to produce one molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), a type of sugar, and six molecules of oxygen (O₂).
Reactants and Products
The substances involved in photosynthesis can be summarized:
| Reactants (Inputs) | Products (Outputs) |
|---|---|
| Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) | Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) |
| Water (H₂O) | Oxygen (O₂) |
| Sunlight (Energy Source) |
Understanding the Equation
This balanced equation shows the specific number of molecules of each substance required and produced, ensuring that the number of atoms of each element (Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen) is the same on both sides of the reaction.
Key aspects of the equation include:
- Reactants: Carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere, and water is absorbed from the soil (or environment).
- Energy: Sunlight provides the energy needed to drive this endothermic reaction. This is why photosynthesis primarily occurs during the day.
- Products: Glucose is the primary energy storage molecule for the plant, used for growth and other metabolic processes. Oxygen is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere, which is essential for aerobic respiration in most living organisms.
- Balancing: The coefficients (the numbers in front of each molecule) ensure that the law of conservation of mass is followed – atoms are rearranged but not created or destroyed.
Photosynthesis is a vital process carried out by plants, algae, and some bacteria, forming the base of most food chains on Earth and producing the oxygen we breathe.
