Question

activity a: photosynthesis get the gizmo ready: - if necessary, click reset. - check that the photosynthesis tab is selected. check that description is turned on. introduction: photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplast, an organelle found in plant and algae cells. within the chloroplast, a green pigment called chlorophyll converts the radiant energy of sunlight into chemical energy that the plant can use. question: what are the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis? 1. predict: of the molecules shown on the molecules pane, which do you think are inputs (ingredients) in photosynthesis? which do you think are outputs? inputs: ____ outputs: __ 2. explore: drag each molecule from the molecules pane to the chloroplast on the photosynthesis pane. if a molecule is an input, it will stay in the chloroplast. which molecules are inputs in photosynthesis? __ 3. observe: click add light and look at the output. what are the outputs of photosynthesis? __ 4. summarize: although photosynthesis is a complex process involving many reactions, it can be summarized by a simplified formula that shows inputs on the left and outputs on the right. based on your observations, write a simplified formula for photosynthesis: __ + __ → __ + __ turn on show input/output formula to check. were you correct? __ challenge: to balance the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis, there should be the same number of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms on each side of the arrow. a. is the formula balanced as written? why or why not? __ b. now balance the input/output formula by adding coefficients to each molecule. write the balanced formula below, and then check your work by clicking balance. __ + __ → __ + ____

Explanation:

Step1: Identify photosynthesis inputs

Inputs are $\text{CO}_2$, $\text{H}_2\text{O}$

Step2: Identify photosynthesis outputs

Outputs are $\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6$, $\text{O}_2$

Step3: Write unbalanced formula

$\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O}
ightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{O}_2$

Step4: Check formula balance

Count atoms: C(1 vs 6), H(2 vs 12), O(3 vs 8) → unbalanced.

Step5: Balance the chemical equation

Add coefficients to equalize atoms:
$6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O}
ightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2$

Answer:

4. Summarize:

Unbalanced formula: $\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O}
ightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{O}_2$
Were you correct? (Assuming match to observations: Yes)

Challenge A:

No, the formula is not balanced. The number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms is not equal on both sides of the arrow (1 C, 2 H, 3 O on left; 6 C, 12 H, 8 O on right).

Challenge B:

Balanced formula: $6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O}
ightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2$