Question

which statement describes the atomic composition of the products of photosynthesis?
a. the products contain only carbon and oxygen atoms
b. the products contain only phosphorus and oxygen atoms
c. the products contain only carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen atoms
d. the products contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms

Explanation:

Photosynthesis is a process in plants where carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) and water ($H_2O$) are converted into glucose (a carbohydrate with C, H, O) and oxygen ($O_2$). The products of photosynthesis are glucose (which has C, H, O) and $O_2$ (which has O). So the products contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: Products don't have only C and O (glucose has H too), so A is wrong.
• Option B: Products aren't only phosphorous and oxygen (photosynthesis doesn't involve P in products), so B is wrong.
• Option C: Products don't have nitrogen (photosynthesis products are glucose and $O_2$, no N), so C is wrong.
• Option D: Glucose has C, H, O and $O_2$ has O, so products have C, H, O. So D is correct.

Answer:

D. The products contain only carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.