Which of the following best describes the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis in plants?

• A. 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O}
• B. 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2
• C. 6\text{O}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6
• 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: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. It involves the transformation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂), using sunlight and chlorophyll.
2. Step 2: Write the general chemical equation for photosynthesis. The correct equation 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 in the problem. Compare each option to the correct chemical equation for photosynthesis. Look for the correct reactants (CO₂ and H₂O) and products (C₆H₁₂O₆ and O₂). Ensure the stoichiometric coefficients (numbers in front of molecules) match the balanced equation.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the option '6CO₂ + 6O₂ → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6H₂O' is incorrect because it lists oxygen (O₂) as a reactant instead of a product. Similarly, '6O₂ + 6H₂O → 6CO₂ + C₆H₁₂O₆' is incorrect because it reverses the roles of reactants and products.
5. Step 5: Select the correct answer, which is '6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂'. This equation accurately represents the process of photosynthesis, with carbon dioxide and water as reactants and glucose and oxygen as products.