TEK B.9B Concept: Compare the Energy Flow in Photosynthesis to Cellular Respiration
When balancing chemical equations, the number of elements on the left side of the arrow (reactants) must equal the number of elements on the right side of the arrow (products). Use coefficients in front of each formula to balance the number of atoms on each side. Multiply the coefficient of each element by the subscript of the element to count the atoms. Then list the number of atoms of each element on each side. Since there are 6 carbons on the product side , there must be 6 carbons on the reactact side so the compound carbon dioxide will have coefficient of 6. By placing a coefficient of 6 in front of carbon dioxide, a coefficient of 6 would be placed in front of oxygen on the product side. There are 12 hydrogen atoms on the product side, so a coefficient of 6 is placed in front of water on the reactant side. By multiplying the coefficient by the subscript, the total number of atoms for the compound will be reached. Now count the atoms on each side. 6C ----------- 6C 12H-------- 12 H 18 O ------- 18O