Photosynthesis Chemical Equation (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Balanced photosynthesis chemical equation: Extended

Spec point — State the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis as: CO + HO → CHO + O

Extended Tier Only

• The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is:

$6CO_{2}+6H_{2}O\overset{light}{\underset{chlorophyll}{\rightarrow}}C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}+6O_{2}$

• The light energy is converted into chemical energy in the bonds holding the atoms in the glucose molecules together

Exam Hint The photosynthesis equation is the exact reverse of the aerobic respiration equation so if you have learned one you also know the other one! You will usually get more marks for providing the balanced chemical equation than the word equation.