6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

This means:

* 6 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO₂) + 6 molecules of water (H₂O) + light energy

are used to produce

* 1 molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) + 6 molecules of oxygen (O₂)

Let me break it down further:

* Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are the raw materials used in photosynthesis.

* Light energy is the driving force for the reaction. It is captured by chlorophyll, a pigment found in plants.

* Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) is a simple sugar that is the primary product of photosynthesis. It is used by plants for energy and growth.

* Oxygen (O₂) is a byproduct of photosynthesis. It is released into the atmosphere.

This formula summarizes the key inputs and outputs of photosynthesis, but it doesn't describe the complex series of chemical reactions that actually take place. However, it's a great way to understand the overall process.