gen-define-photosynthesis-and-give-one-short-worked-example-24ba

Define photosynthesis and give one short worked example.

# Photosynthesis **Definition:** Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy (usually from the sun) into chemical energy stored in glucose, using carbon dioxide and water, while releasing oxygen as a byproduct. ## Basic Equation: ``` 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (carbon dioxide + water + light → glucose + oxygen) ``` ## Worked Example: **Question:** If a plant uses 12 molecules of CO₂ during photosynthesis, how many molecules of glucose are produced? **Solution:** - From the equation: 6 CO₂ molecules → 1 glucose molecule - Ratio is 6:1 Therefore: - 12 CO₂ molecules → 12 ÷ 6 = **2 glucose molecules** Also produced: 12 O₂ molecules (since the CO₂:O₂ ratio is 1:1)