Which of the following formulas is the balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration?

• A. \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow \mathrm{CO_2} + \mathrm{H_2O}\)
• B. \$6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2}$
• C. \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy}\)
• D. \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} \rightarrow 2\ \mathrm{C_2H_5OH} + 2\ \mathrm{CO_2}\)

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process where glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)) is broken down in the presence of oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)) to produce carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)), water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)), and energy in the form of ATP.
2. Step 2: Recall the general balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration. The equation is: \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy}\). This equation represents the complete oxidation of glucose.
3. Step 3: Compare the given options to the balanced equation for cellular respiration. The correct equation should include glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)), oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)), carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)), water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)), and energy.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow \mathrm{CO_2} + \mathrm{H_2O}\) is not balanced because it does not account for the correct stoichiometric coefficients. Similarly, \$6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} \rightarrow \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2}$ represents photosynthesis, not cellular respiration.
5. Step 5: Identify the correct balanced equation for cellular respiration. The correct answer is: \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy}\). This equation satisfies the law of conservation of mass and represents the process of cellular respiration.