In one or two sentences, explain how the chemical equation for photosynthesis shows that plants cycle matter. Include the number of molecules and atoms involved to support your explanation.
The chemical equation for photosynthesis, 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2, demonstrates how plants are able to cycle matter by converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen. This process involves 6 molecules of carbon dioxide, 6 molecules of water, and results in the creation of 1 molecule of glucose and 6 molecules of oxygen, showing a transformation of matter within the plant.
