Here's the breakdown:

* Photosynthesis is the process where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create their own food (glucose) and release oxygen as a byproduct.

* The chemical equation for photosynthesis is:

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

* This equation shows that carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are used as reactants, and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) are produced as products.

So, while plants need carbon dioxide to survive, they release oxygen as a waste product, which is essential for animals (including humans) to breathe.