Answer
The balanced skeletal equation for cellular respiration is:
$C_6H_{12}O_6(aq) + 6O_2(g) -- \gt 6CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l)$
Work Step by Step
$C_6H_{12}O_6(aq) + O_2(g) -- \gt CO_2(g) + H_2O(l)$
1. Start by balancing the elements that only appear once in each side:
Carbon:
We got 6 carbons on the reactants side, and 1 carbon on the products side. To balance we can multiply the carbon compound on the products by 6:
$C_6H_{12}O_6(aq) + O_2(g) -- \gt 6CO_2(g) + H_2O(l)$
Hydrogen:
We got 12 hydrogens on the reactants side, and 2 hydrogens on the products side. To balance we can multiply the hydrogen compound on the products by 6:
$C_6H_{12}O_6(aq) + O_2(g) -- \gt 6CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l)$
2. Now, balance the last element: $Oxygen:$
Products: 6*2 + 6*1 = 18 oxygens.
The $C_6H_{12}O_6$ has already 6 on the reactants, so we need 12 to complete: Put a "6" in the $O_2$:
$C_6H_{12}O_6(aq) + 6O_2(g) -- \gt 6CO_2(g) + 6H_2O(l)$
