In the photosynthesis equation provided, which are the reactants?

In the photosynthesis equation provided, which are the reactants?

• A. Carbon Dioxide and Water
• B. Sugar and Water
• C. Sugar and Oxygen
• D. Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen

Answer: (A)

In a chemical equation, reactants are the starting materials that undergo change to form products. In photosynthesis, plants use light energy to convert inorganic molecules into organic matter, so the substances that start the process are carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. They are used to build glucose (a sugar) and release oxygen. Therefore, carbon dioxide and water are the inputs (reactants). The other options pair substances that are produced (sugar and oxygen) or a mix of a product with a reactant that isn’t actually consumed in this process.

In a chemical equation, reactants are the starting materials that undergo change to form products. In photosynthesis, plants use light energy to convert inorganic molecules into organic matter, so the substances that start the process are carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil. They are used to build glucose (a sugar) and release oxygen. Therefore, carbon dioxide and water are the inputs (reactants). The other options pair substances that are produced (sugar and oxygen) or a mix of a product with a reactant that isn’t actually consumed in this process.