Which of the following represents the balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration?

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic pathway that converts glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)) and oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)) into carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)), water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)), and energy in the form of ATP.
2. Step 2: Recall the general formula for cellular respiration: \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy}\). This equation represents the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen.
3. Step 3: Analyze the options provided. The correct equation must show glucose reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. Ensure the reactants and products are balanced in terms of the number of atoms for each element.
4. Step 4: Verify the stoichiometry of the equation. For every molecule of glucose (\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6}\)), 6 molecules of oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)) are consumed, producing 6 molecules of carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) and 6 molecules of water (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)). This ensures the equation is balanced.
5. Step 5: Confirm that the correct equation aligns with the biological process of cellular respiration. The correct answer is: \(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\ \mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\ \mathrm{CO_2} + 6\ \mathrm{H_2O} + \text{energy}\).