* Photosynthesis is an energy conversion process: Sunlight is captured by chlorophyll and converted into chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose.
* Sunlight is not consumed: Sunlight doesn't physically combine with the reactants (carbon dioxide and water). Instead, it provides the energy needed to drive the reaction.
Think of it like this:
* Reactants: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are the ingredients you mix.
* Energy: Sunlight is the heat you apply to cook the ingredients.
* Product: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) are the delicious meal you get.
The arrow represents the transformation, and the sunlight above it shows the energy driving the change.
