What are the connections between the processes of photosynthesis and combustion?

1 Answer
Dave
Mar 15, 2018

See Below - I'll assume you mean combustion of glucose

Explanation:

Chemically speaking, they are the reverse of one another.

Photosynthesis:
#6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ENERGY = C_6H_12O_6 + 6O_2#
This is endothermic, and requires 2800kJ/mole (energy put into the system)

Combustion:
#C_6H_12O_6 + 6O_2 = 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ENERGY#
This is exothermic, and releases 2800kJ/mole (energy released when the reaction is complete...i.e. where the flame comes from)

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