Explain why (and in what proportion) there is always more oxygen produced than sugar by photosynthesis?

Question

Explain why (and in what proportion) there is always more oxygen produced than sugar by photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Carbon in the form of CO₂ is the limiting reactant in the photosynthesis reaction, specifically the light reaction, because that determines the amount of carbohydrate synthesized.

 

6CO₂ + 6H₂O ---> C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

 

In addition, this balanced equation shows a molar ratio of 1 mole of glucose to 6 moles of oxygen (your answer)