Question

Explain the following cycle in your own words with a suitable diagram. 

Carbon cycle. 

Answer 1

Carbon cycle

The circulation and recycling of carbon from the atmosphere to living organisms and after their death back to the atmosphere is called the carbon cycle.

1. Carbon dioxide is the main source of carbon in the atmosphere and water bodies. Green plants produce carbohydrates with the help of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the process of photosynthesis.
   \[\ce{\underset{{Carbon dioxide}}{6CO2↓} + \underset{{water}}{12H2O} ->[{light}][{chloroplasts}]\underset{{sugar}}{C6H12O6} + \underset{{water}}{6H2O} + \underset{{oxygen}}{6O2↑}}\]
   These carbohydrates are transferred in the form of food in the food chain by plants to herbivores and then by herbivores to carnivores.
2. In the process of respiration, plants and animals oxidize carbohydrates and release energy. Along with this, carbon dioxide gas is released into the atmosphere.
   \[\ce{\underset{{sugar}}{C6H12O6} + \underset{{oxygen}}{6O2} -> \underset{{Carbon dioxide}}{6CO2↑} + \underset{{water}}{6H2O} + {energy}}\]
   Microorganisms produce carbon dioxide during the process of fermentation and oxygen respiration.
3. Organic matter is decomposed by microorganisms. During this process, carbon dioxide gas is also produced and this gas gets mixed in the atmosphere.
4. During the combustion of fuel, the rapid burning of organic matter with oxygen produces energy and carbon dioxide gas.
5. In the form of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, carbon enters the food chain through vegetation. Through various processes like respiration, combustion, fermentation, decomposition, carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere and the cyclical cycle of carbon is completed.