Question

balance the chemical reaction of photosynthesis
6co₂ + 6h₂o + light energy → c₆h₁₂o₆ + 6o₂

Explanation:

Step1: Balance carbon atoms

We have 6 carbon atoms in glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$), so we need 6 $CO_2$ on the left - hand side. So the equation becomes $6CO_2 + xH_2O+\text{Light Energy}
ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + yO_2$.

Step2: Balance hydrogen atoms

There are 12 hydrogen atoms in glucose. Since there are 2 hydrogen atoms in each $H_2O$ molecule, we need 6 $H_2O$ molecules. Now the equation is $6CO_2 + 6H_2O+\text{Light Energy}
ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + yO_2$.

Step3: Balance oxygen atoms

On the left - hand side, we have $6\times2 + 6\times1=18$ oxygen atoms in $6CO_2$ and $6H_2O$. In glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$), there are 6 oxygen atoms. So the number of oxygen atoms in $O_2$ on the right - hand side must be $18 - 6=12$. Since each $O_2$ molecule has 2 oxygen atoms, we need 6 $O_2$ molecules.

Answer:

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O+\text{Light Energy}
ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$