Matching symbols to the photosynthesis equation Steps:

• Recall photosynthesis equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.
• Assign symbols: 3=CO₂, 7=HO₂ (as H₂O proxy), 6=CO₂H (carbon source for glucose), 1=CH₃O₂ (carbohydrate unit), 8=O₂H (as O₂ proxy), 4=O₂.
• Check choices for reactant-to-product flow with carbon, water, and oxygen.
• Select the option with → arrow linking carbon/water inputs to oxygen output.

Why C is correct:

• It models 6CO₂H (carbon fixation) + 7HO₂ (water) + 1CH₃O₂ (energy/carbohydrate precursor) → 8O₂H (oxygen release), aligning with the core formula 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Uses = for balance, not → for the directed photosynthesis process.
• B: Shows CO₂ + O₂ → organics + radicals, resembling respiration, not photosynthesis.
• D: No arrow or direction; includes irrelevant 5 (BCH₃O₂, boron compound).

Final answer: C