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

This means:

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

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

Here's a breakdown:

* Carbon dioxide (CO₂): The source of carbon for building the glucose molecule.

* Water (H₂O): Provides hydrogen atoms for glucose and the oxygen atoms released as a byproduct.

* Light energy: The energy source for the chemical reactions.

* Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆): The primary sugar produced by photosynthesis; a source of energy for plants and other organisms.

* Oxygen (O₂): A byproduct of photosynthesis and essential for respiration in many organisms.

Important Note: This is a simplified representation of the complex series of reactions that make up photosynthesis. The process actually involves two main stages:

1. Light-dependent reactions: Use light energy to produce ATP and NADPH, which are energy carriers.

2. Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle): Use the energy carriers from the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.