Energy Transformations in Photosynthesis

Plants use radiant energy they receive from the sun & convert it to chemical energy in a process called photosynthesis.

During photosynthesis, the atoms that make up carbon dioxide & water rearrange, with help from chlorophyll and sunlight, to form glucose & oxygen.

Glucose is a type of sugar that the plant uses for food to provide energy for growth & cellular processes.

When other organisms eat a plant, the chemical energy stored in the plant is passed on to the organism.

The symbols below represent a chemical equation. CO2 + H2O + sunlight C6H12O6 + O2

If the equation was put into words it would read like this...

Carbon dioxide reacts with water & energy from the sun to yield (form) glucose & oxygen. CO2 + H2O + sunlight C6H12O6 + O2

Each letter in the equation represents a symbol for an element found on the periodic table of elements. CO2 + H2O + sunlight C6H12O6 + O2

C O2 + H2O + sunlight/ chlorophyll C 6H12O6 + O2 C= Carbon

C O 2 + H2 O + sunlight/ chlorophyll C6H12 O 6 + O 2 O= Oxygen

CO2 + H 2O + sunlight/ chlorophyll C6 H 12O6 + O2 H= Hydrogen

Elements join chemically with different elements to form compounds. CO2 + H2O + sunlight C6H12O6 + O2

CO2 + H2O + sunlight/ chlorophyll C6H12O6 + O2 CO2= Carbon dioxide

CO2 + H2O + sunlight/ chlorophyll C6H12O6 + O2 H2O= Water

CO2 + H2O + sunlight C6H12O6 + O2 C6H12O6= Glucose

When elements join together they form a molecule.

Elements forming a molecule may be the same kind or different kinds of atoms.

sunlight/ chlorophyll CO2 + H2O + sunlight/ chlorophyll C6H12O6 + O2 Molecules

Radiant Energy Kinetic Energy Chemical Energy Potential Energy becomes Chemical Energy Potential Energy

Sunlight Carbon Dioxide gas from the air Water from the soil and air Chlorophyll Carbon Dioxide gas from the air Water from the soil and air Radiant Energy (light) (Kinetic)

Chemical Energy (Potential) Oxygen gas exits the leaves Glucose (sugar) Chlorophyll Oxygen gas exits the leaves

Respiration Energy-producing process: Glucose + Oxygen Carbon Dioxide + Water + Energy Plants & Animals!