(N/A) Photosynthesis is a complex process occurring in multiple steps. Experimental evidence using isotopic labeling shows that all the oxygen evolved in photosynthesis comes from water,not from carbon dioxide. Therefore,$12$ molecules of $H_2O$ are involved in the reaction,and $6$ molecules are released as a byproduct.
$(b)$ In the reaction between ozone $(O_3)$ and hydrogen peroxide $(H_2O_2)$,the two oxygen molecules produced originate from different reactants. Specifically,one $O_2$ molecule comes from $O_3$ and the other comes from $H_2O_2$. Writing it as $O_{2(g)} + O_{2(g)}$ highlights this distinct origin.
Technique: The path of these redox reactions can be investigated using isotopic labeling (e.g.,using $^{18}O$ isotope). For reaction $(a)$,water labeled with $^{18}O$ $(H_2^{18}O)$ is used to confirm that the evolved $O_2$ contains the $^{18}O$ isotope. For reaction $(b)$,labeling either $O_3$ or $H_2O_2$ with $^{18}O$ allows researchers to track the source of the oxygen gas produced.