In the process of photosynthesis, 12 moles of water (H2O) and 6 moles of carbon dioxide (CO2) react to produce glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). Calculate the number of moles of glucose formed when 3 moles of water and 2 moles of carbon dioxide are available.
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We first need to determine the limiting reactant in the reaction, which is the reactant that is completely used up and determines the amount of product formed. To do this, we will compare the moles of water available to the moles of carbon dioxide available.
From the balanced equation, we know that 12 moles of water react with 6 moles of carbon dioxide to produce 1 mole of glucose.
We can set up a ratio to determine the number of moles of glucose formed:
12 moles of water : 6 moles of carbon dioxide = 1 mole of glucose : x moles of glucose
Cross-multiplying, we get:
12 moles of water * x moles of glucose = 6 moles of carbon dioxide * 1 mole of glucose
Simplifying this expression, we get:
12x = 6
Dividing both sides of the equation by 12, we find:
x = 6/12
x = 0.5 moles of glucose
Therefore, when 3 moles of water and 2 moles of carbon dioxide are available, the number of moles of glucose formed is 0.5 moles.