Cambridge O Level Biology · Syllabus 5090 · Respiration
Balanced Equation for Aerobic Respiration
What is Balanced Equation for Aerobic Respiration?
The balanced symbol equation for aerobic respiration is C6H12O6 + 6O2 produces 6CO2 + 6H2O. It balances with six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms and eighteen oxygen atoms on each side: the glucose molecule supplies six carbon, twelve hydrogen and six oxygen atoms, and the six oxygen molecules supply a further twelve oxygen atoms. Energy is released during the reaction but is not a chemical substance, so it is never included as a term to be balanced.
This definition is part of the Respiration chapter in Cambridge O Level Biology.
Questions students ask about Balanced Equation for Aerobic Respiration
What is the balanced equation for aerobic respiration?
\(\mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O}\). It balances with six carbon, twelve hydrogen and eighteen oxygen atoms on each side.
Last reviewed Syllabus 2026-2028