Question

scientists sometimes want to show whether more energy is used or released during a chemical process. they do this by adding the word energy to the chemical equation. if more energy is used than is released during a chemical process, \energy\ should appear on the same side of the equation as the reactants. if more energy is released than is used, \energy\ should appear on the same side of the equation as the products.
the energy used in photosynthesis is light energy, which is captured by pigments in plant cells called chlorophyll.
which of the following balanced chemical equations accurately summarizes photosynthesis?
6co₂ + 6h₂o → c₆h₁₂o₆ + 6o₂ + light energy
6co₂ + 6h₂o + light energy → c₆h₁₂o₆ + 6o₂

Explanation:

Step1: Understand energy - use in photosynthesis

In photosynthesis, light energy is used. According to the rule, when more energy is used than released, energy should be on the reactant side.

Step2: Identify reactants and products

The reactants in photosynthesis are carbon - dioxide ($CO_2$) and water ($H_2O$), and the products are glucose ($C_6H_{12}O_6$) and oxygen ($O_2$). Since light energy is used, it should be on the reactant side.

Answer:

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O+ \text{light energy}
ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$