Step 1: Understand the concept of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a metabolic process where glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is broken down in the presence of oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and energy in the form of ATP.
Step 2: Recall the general balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration. The equation is: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + energy. This represents the complete oxidation of glucose.
Step 3: Analyze the given options. Compare each equation to the general balanced equation for cellular respiration. Look for the correct stoichiometric coefficients and the presence of all reactants and products.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the equation 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ represents photosynthesis, not cellular respiration. Similarly, C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2 C₂H₅OH + 2 CO₂ represents fermentation, not cellular respiration.
Step 5: Identify the correct answer. The equation C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + energy matches the balanced chemical equation for cellular respiration, as it includes the correct reactants, products, and stoichiometric coefficients.