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How is photosynthesis similar to the formation of rust?

Both photosynthesis and rusting (formation of rust) are chemical reactions and represent chemical changes. 


A chemical change involves a change in chemical composition of the reactants. That is, the products are different from the reacting species. 


During the chemical reaction of photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The following chemical reaction takes place during photosynthesis:


`6CO_2 + 6H_2O + sunlight -> C_6H_12O_6 + 6O_2`


One can see that, in this process, the reactants are different from the products.


Similarly, during the process of rusting, solid iron is converted to Fe(III) oxide, Fe2O3. This is the process which causes the loss of iron and the formation of the red powdery material known as rust. 


In comparison to a chemical change, a physical change does not involve any change in the chemical composition of the reacting species. 


Hope this helps. 

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