Which of the following is the correct balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis?

• A. 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2
• B. 6\text{O}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6
• C. 6\text{CO}_2 + 12\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2
• D. \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O}

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) using sunlight energy. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and involves light-dependent and light-independent reactions.
2. Step 2: Recall the general formula for photosynthesis. The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This equation shows that six molecules of carbon dioxide react with six molecules of water to produce one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided. Look for the equation that matches the general formula for photosynthesis. Ensure that the reactants (CO₂ and H₂O) and products (C₆H₁₂O₆ and O₂) are correctly placed and balanced.
4. Step 4: Verify the stoichiometry of the equation. Check that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation. For example, carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms must be balanced.
5. Step 5: Identify the correct answer. The correct balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This matches the general formula and satisfies the stoichiometric balance.