What are the primary products of photosynthesis?

Analyze the question: The question asks for the products of photosynthesis, meaning what the plant makes, not what it takes in.

Concept: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use light energy to make food. It happens in the chloroplasts, where chlorophyll traps sunlight.

Word equation:

Carbon dioxide + Water → (light energy, chlorophyll) → Glucose + Oxygen

Chemical equation:

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Step-by-step solution:

1. Identify the reactants (what goes in): carbon dioxide and water. These appear on the left side of the equation.
2. Identify the products (what comes out): glucose and oxygen. These appear on the right side.
3. Check each option: • A. Carbon dioxide and water: These are the reactants, not products. ✗ • B. Glucose and oxygen: These are the products. ✓ • C. Glucose and carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is a reactant, so this is wrong. ✗ • D. Oxygen and water: Water is a reactant. (Water is also released in small amounts in some detailed versions of the equation, but it is not a primary product.) ✗

Answer: The correct option is B. Glucose and oxygen.

Exam tip: Remember that products are what appear after the arrow. For photosynthesis, think "CO₂ and H₂O go in, sugar and O₂ come out." Also, the oxygen released comes from the splitting of water (photolysis) during the light-dependent stage. Glucose is later stored as starch, which is why we test leaves for starch in practicals.