Which of the following is the correct overall chemical equation for oxygenic photosynthesis?

• A. $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+6O_2\to 6C_{0}2+6H_{2}O+\mathrm{ATP}$
• B. $6C_{0}2+6H_{2}O+\mathrm{light}\to C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+6O_2$
• C. $6C_{0}2+12H_{2}O+\mathrm{light}\to C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+12O_2$
• D. $6C_{0}2+6H_{2}O\to C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+6O_2+\mathrm{heat}$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that oxygenic photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and cyanobacteria convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy.
2. Write the general form of the photosynthesis equation: \$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$.
3. Identify the reactants on the left side: 6 molecules of carbon dioxide (\(\text{CO}_2\)), 6 molecules of water (\(\text{H}_2\text{O}\)), and light energy.
4. Identify the products on the right side: one molecule of glucose (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6\)) and 6 molecules of oxygen gas (\(\text{O}_2\)).
5. Confirm that the equation is balanced in terms of atoms and energy, and that it correctly represents the overall process of oxygenic photosynthesis.