The General Chemical Equation for Photosynthesis Is Shown Below

Multiple Choice

The general chemical equation for photosynthesis is shown below. Through this reaction is the carbon oxidized or reduced? How can you tell? 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂

A) Oxidized, since carbon is in the +4 oxidation state in CO₂ but in the +6 oxidation state in the product, C₆H₁₂O_6, glucose.
B) Reduced, since in carbon dioxide there are two oxygen atoms for every one carbon but within the product, C₆H₁₂O_6, (glucose) , there is only one oxygen for every one carbon.
C) Neither, since carbon does not change its oxidation state and is neither oxidized nor reduced.
D) Both, since the carbon atoms within the glucose molecules display two different charge states.