Which of the following equations shows the correct products of 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 \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{CO}_2
• C. 6 \text{CO}_2 + 6 \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O}
• 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: Recall the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. The reactants are carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), and the products are glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).
2. Step 2: Write the general chemical equation for photosynthesis. The balanced equation is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This shows that six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water are converted into one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Compare each equation to the general photosynthesis equation to determine which one matches the correct reactants and products.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, equations that have incorrect reactants (e.g., O₂ instead of CO₂) or incorrect products (e.g., CO₂ instead of O₂) can be ruled out.
5. Step 5: Select the correct equation that matches the balanced photosynthesis equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.