Question

Choose the correct equation for photosynthesis:
a. ${C_6}{H_{12}}{O_6} + 6{O_2} \to 6C{O_2} + 6{H_2}O$
b. $6C{O_2} + 6{H_2}O \to {C_6}{H_{12}}{O_6} + 6{O_2}$
c. ${C_6}{H_{12}}{O_6} + 6{H_2}O \to 6C{O_2} + 6{O_2}H$
d. $6C{O_2} + 6{O_2} \to {C_6}{H_{12}}{O_6} + 6{H_2}O$
e. $6C{O_2} + {C_6}{H_{12}}{O_6} \to 6{O_2} + 6{H_2}O$

Answer 1

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants make their own food by using water from the soil, sunlight, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The green plants contain a pigment called chlorophyll in their leaves that helps to bring about the process of photosynthesis. The end product of the process is sugar and the by-product is gas.

Complete answer:
During the process of photosynthesis, chemical energy is formed from light energy. This chemical energy is stored in the form of carbohydrates and is used in the daily energy expenditure of the organisms.

Therefore, in photosynthesis, the plant takes in carbon dioxide or $C{O_2}$ from the air, water or ${H_2}O$ from the soil, sunlight and forms glucose or ${C_6}{H_{12}}{O_6}$ in presence of chlorophyll. As a byproduct of this process, the plants release oxygen or ${O_2}$ into the atmosphere.

The balance equation of the photosynthetic reaction can be written as:
$6C{O_2} + 6{H_2}O \to {C_6}{H_{12}}{O_6} + 6{O_2}$

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Additional information:
The word photosynthesis is derived from two words – ‘photo’ meaning light and ‘synthesis’ meaning putting together. The plants that prepare their food by photosynthesis are called photoautotrophs.
The process of photosynthesis commences when light is trapped by the chlorophyll pigment present in the leaves. This pigment is present in organelles known as chloroplasts. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by the plant from the atmosphere, and water from the soil. Chlorophyll, then splits the water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Hydrogen, then combines with carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrate in the form of glucose. As a byproduct of this reaction, oxygen is liberated into the atmosphere.
This entire process takes place in two phases – the light dependent phase and the light independent phase.

Note: Photosynthesis is the process of manufacture of plant food. Green plants undergo the process to make sugar as the end product. This process is of immense importance to the environment. During the process the plants take in the harmful carbon dioxide present in the air and release oxygen, which we breathe in. Without the presence of green plants and photosynthesis, the world will be a polluted place to live in.