Photosynthesis

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Visão geral

The most important photochemical reaction on Earth. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria use chlorophyll to capture sunlight and convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The light reactions split water at photosystem II, while the Calvin cycle fixes CO₂. This reaction produces virtually all atmospheric oxygen and is the foundation of most food chains.

Participantes

Papel	Substância	Coeficiente	Estado
Reagente	Carbon Dioxide CO₂	6	(g)
Reagente	Water H₂O	6	(l)
Produto	Glucose C₆H₁₂O₆	1	(s)

Exemplo do cotidiano

Every bite of food you eat and every breath of oxygen you inhale ultimately traces back to photosynthesis.

Importância industrial

A fotossíntese fixa cerca de 120 mil milhões de toneladas de carbono anualmente. A investigação em fotossíntese artificial visa produzir combustíveis limpos a partir da luz solar.

Propriedades

Tipo: Photochemical
Reversível: Não
Energia: Endotérmico
ΔH: 2803,0 kJ/mol
Catalisador: Chlorophyll

Reações relacionadas

Photochemical Smog Formation (NO₂ Photolysis) Photochromism of Spiropyran Chlorophyll Fluorescence Photodegradation of Methylene Blue by TiO₂ Photodissociation of Chlorine Gas Silver Bromide Photodecomposition Cis-Trans Isomerization of Retinal Ozone Formation by UV Light Silver Chloride Photodecomposition Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (Grätzel Cell)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Photosynthesis?

The balanced equation is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

What type of reaction is Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is a photochemical reaction.

Is Photosynthesis exothermic or endothermic?

Photosynthesis is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 2803.0 kJ/mol.

What conditions are needed for Photosynthesis?

This reaction requires a catalyst (Chlorophyll).