In the reaction shown, glucose (C6H1206) is one of the 6C02 + 6H20 -> C6H1205 + 602 Multiple Choice enzymes products reactants catalysts elements
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: reactants
Explanation
In the chemical reaction:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is one of the products of the reaction, not the reactants. So while the question asks whether glucose is among the reactants or not, it is not. It is one of the products formed as a result of the reaction.
This balanced chemical equation represents photosynthesis, the process plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and water (H₂O) from the soil. These substances are the reactants in the equation, meaning they are the starting materials required to carry out the reaction.
In the presence of sunlight and with the help of chlorophyll, the energy from light drives a series of biochemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen gas (O₂). Therefore, glucose is a product because it is created by the process, not used up in it. Oxygen is also a product and is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct of the reaction.
To clarify the terms in the multiple-choice options:
- Reactants are the substances that start a chemical reaction. In this case, CO₂ and H₂O.
- Products are the substances formed by the chemical reaction. Here, glucose and O₂.
- Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions but are not consumed in the process. They are not products or reactants.
- Catalysts facilitate reactions without being changed or used up.
- Elements are pure chemical substances like oxygen (O) or hydrogen (H), but glucose is a compound, not a single element.
Therefore, the correct identification of glucose in the context of this reaction is that it is a product, not a reactant.
