When examining the chemical reaction equation for photosynthesis:
[tex]\[
6 CO_2 + 6 H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 O_2
\][/tex]
It is clear that this equation provides specific details about the reactants and products involved in the process. Let’s break down what each piece of information provided by the equation means:
1. It does not show if the reaction is reversible: This statement is true because the given equation does not specify whether the reaction can go in both directions (i.e., whether it is reversible or not).
2. It does not show the reactants needed for the reaction: This statement is false. The equation clearly shows the reactants needed for photosynthesis, which are carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O).
3. It does not show that photosynthesis consists of many separate steps: This statement is correct. The chemical equation provides an overall summary of the process but doesn’t detail the numerous intermediate steps and various phases involved in the photosynthesis process, such as the light-dependent and light-independent reactions that occur in stages.
4. It does not show the number of molecules required to produce glucose: This statement is false. The equation explicitly indicates the number of molecules of carbon dioxide and water required to produce one molecule of glucose (C_6H_{12}O_6) and the corresponding number of oxygen molecules released:
[tex]\[ 6 \, CO_2 + 6 \, H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6 \, O_2 \][/tex]
Thus, the information not given in the chemical reaction equation of photosynthesis is that it does not show that photosynthesis consists of many separate steps.
The correct answer is:
It does not show that photosynthesis consists of many separate steps.
