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Ch.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations
Chapter 3, Problem 106

Write the balanced equation for the photosynthesis reaction in which gaseous carbon dioxide and liquid water react in the presence of chlorophyll to produce aqueous glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen gas.

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<Write the unbalanced chemical equation for the photosynthesis reaction: \( \text{CO}_2 (g) + \text{H}_2\text{O} (l) \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 (aq) + \text{O}_2 (g) \)>
<Balance the carbon atoms: Since there are 6 carbon atoms in glucose (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6\)), you need 6 \(\text{CO}_2\) molecules.>
<Balance the hydrogen atoms: Glucose has 12 hydrogen atoms, so you need 6 \(\text{H}_2\text{O}\) molecules to provide these hydrogen atoms.>
<Balance the oxygen atoms: Count the total oxygen atoms on both sides and adjust the \(\text{O}_2\) molecules to balance them.>
<Verify that all elements are balanced: Ensure that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation.>