To determine the relative amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) consumed in the process of photosynthesis, we can analyze the given balanced chemical equation:
[tex]\[ 6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2 \][/tex]
In this equation, the stoichiometric coefficients represent the molar ratio of the reactants and products participating in the reaction. Here's a step-by-step approach to understanding these ratios:
1. Identify the Stoichiometric Coefficients:
- The coefficient in front of CO₂ is 6, which means 6 moles of CO₂ are required.
- The coefficient in front of H₂O is also 6, which means 6 moles of H₂O are required.
2. Determine the Molar Ratio:
- The molar ratio of CO₂ to H₂O can be observed directly from the coefficients.
- This ratio is 6:6, which simplifies to 1:1. This indicates that for every 1 mole of CO₂ consumed, 1 mole of H₂O is also consumed.
3. Interpret the Ratio:
- This 1:1 molar ratio tells us that both reactants are consumed in equal amounts on a molar basis. Thus, if you use up 1 mole of CO₂, you will also need to use up 1 mole of H₂O for the reaction.
Therefore, the conclusion is:
[tex]\[ \text{For every mole of carbon dioxide consumed, one mole of water is consumed.} \][/tex]
Thus, the correct answer is:
B) For every mole of carbon dioxide consumed, one mole of water is consumed.
