Questions: Which statement is TRUE about the chemical reaction for photosynthesis in which carbon dioxide and water react to form glucose and oxygen? (1 point) Light energy destroys some of the matter during the reaction. Glucose and oxygen have a higher total mass than carbon dioxide and water. The number of carbon atoms in the reactants and products are equal. The process of photosynthesis is a physical change.

Solution Steps

The chemical equation for photosynthesis is given as: \[ 6 \text{CO}_2 (g) + 6 \text{H}_2\text{O} (l) \xrightarrow{\text{light}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 (s) + 6 \text{O}_2 (g) \]

We need to determine which statement is true about the chemical reaction for photosynthesis.

1. Light energy destroys some of the matter during the reaction.

   • This is false. According to the law of conservation of mass, matter is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction.

2. Glucose and oxygen have a higher total mass than carbon dioxide and water.

   • This is false. The total mass of the reactants equals the total mass of the products, as shown in the image (264.0 g + 108.1 g = 270.1 g + 192.0 g).

3. The number of carbon atoms in the reactants and products are equal.

   • This is true. There are 6 carbon atoms in the reactants (from 6 CO₂) and 6 carbon atoms in the product (from C₆H₁₂O₆).

4. The process of photosynthesis is a physical change.

   • This is false. Photosynthesis is a chemical change because new substances (glucose and oxygen) are formed.

Final Answer