Write a balanced chemical equation showing the oxidation ofglucose.

The balanced chemical equation for the oxidation of glucose is:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O

Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Write down the unbalanced equation, which represents the breakdown of glucose (C6H12O6) in the presence of oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O):

   C6H12O6 + O2 → CO2 + H2O

2. Balance the carbon atoms first. There are 6 carbon atoms in one molecule of glucose, so you need 6 molecules of carbon dioxide on the right side:

   C6H12O6 + O2 → 6CO2 + H2O

3. Next, balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 12 hydrogen atoms in one molecule of glucose, so you need 6 molecules of water on the right side:

   C6H12O6 + O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O

4. Finally, balance the oxygen atoms. There are 6 oxygen atoms in one molecule of glucose and another 12 in the 6 molecules of carbon dioxide, making a total of 18 oxygen atoms. Therefore, you need 6 molecules of oxygen on the left side:

   C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O

Now the equation is balanced.