When balancing the chemical equation for photosynthesis, 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O → C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2, are there any leftover atoms after forming oxygen and glucose? Why or why not?

• A. Yes, there are leftover atoms because not all reactants are used up in the reaction.
• B. Yes, there are leftover atoms because some atoms are lost as energy during the reaction.
• C. No, there are no leftover atoms because the products always contain more atoms than the reactants.
• D. No, there are no leftover atoms because the Law of Conservation of Mass states that atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that atoms are neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction, only rearranged.
2. Write down the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis: \$6\ CO_2 + 6\ H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6\ O_2$.
3. Count the number of each type of atom on the reactant side: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O). For example, 6 CO_2 gives 6 carbons and 12 oxygens, and 6 H_2O gives 12 hydrogens and 6 oxygens.
4. Count the number of each type of atom on the product side: In \(C_6H_{12}O_6\), there are 6 carbons, 12 hydrogens, and 6 oxygens; in \$6\ O_2$, there are 12 oxygens.
5. Compare the atom counts on both sides to confirm they are equal, demonstrating that no atoms are leftover after the reaction, consistent with the Law of Conservation of Mass.