According to the chemical reaction of photosynthesis shown (6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, using light energy and chlorophyll), what are the two main products created by the plant? A. Nitrogen and Water B. Energy from light and the chlorophyll in leaves C. Glucose and Oxygen D. Carbon Dioxide and Water

Reading the photosynthesis equation

The key is to look at what is on the left side (reactants) versus what is on the right side (products) of the chemical equation.

Identifying reactants vs. products

The equation given is:

$$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$$

• Left side: $CO_2$ and $H_2O$ are the inputs (reactants).
• Right side: $C_6H_{12}O_6$ and $O_2$ are the outputs (products).

So the two main products are glucose and oxygen.

Checking each answer choice

• A (Nitrogen and Water): nitrogen ($N_2$) is not in the equation, and water is a reactant here.
• B (Energy from light and chlorophyll): these help the reaction happen, but they are not chemical products.
• C (Glucose and Oxygen): matches the right side of the equation, $C_6H_{12}O_6$ and $O_2$.
• D (Carbon Dioxide and Water): these are reactants, not products.