Question

which number remains unchanged during photosynthesis? (1 point)
○ the number of carbon dioxide molecules
○ the number of carbon atoms
○ the number of glucose molecules
○ the number of water molecules

Explanation:

In photosynthesis, the law of conservation of mass (or atoms) applies. During the process \(6CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow[\text{Chlorophyll}]{\text{Light}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\), the number of carbon atoms (and other atoms like hydrogen, oxygen) remains constant as atoms are rearranged, not created or destroyed. The number of \(CO_2\), glucose, and water molecules changes as reactants are converted to products. So the number of carbon atoms remains unchanged.

Answer:

B. the number of carbon atoms