How is matter conserved during photosynthesis?

• A. Matter is converted entirely into energy during the formation of glucose.
• B. Some atoms are destroyed when light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll.
• C. The atoms in reactants are rearranged to form products, so the total number of each type of atom is the same on both sides of the equation.
• D. New carbon atoms are created from light energy and added to glucose.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the Law of Conservation of Matter, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction; it can only be rearranged.
2. Identify the reactants and products in photosynthesis: reactants are carbon dioxide (CO\_2) and water (H\_2O), and the product is glucose (C\_6H\_12O\_6) and oxygen (O\_2).
3. Recognize that during photosynthesis, atoms from the reactants are rearranged to form the products, meaning the total number of each type of atom remains constant.
4. Note that light energy is used to drive the reaction but does not create or destroy atoms; it only facilitates the rearrangement of atoms.
5. Conclude that matter is conserved because the atoms present in the reactants are the same atoms found in the products, just organized differently.