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

This translates to:

* 6 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO₂) + 6 molecules of water (H₂O) + light energy → 1 molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) + 6 molecules of oxygen (O₂)

Here's what each part of the equation represents:

* CO₂ (Carbon dioxide): The source of carbon for building glucose. Plants take this in from the air.

* H₂O (Water): The source of hydrogen for building glucose. Plants absorb this from the soil.

* Light energy: The energy that drives the reaction. It comes from sunlight.

* C₆H₁₂O₆ (Glucose): A simple sugar that is the primary product of photosynthesis. Plants use this for energy and growth.

* O₂ (Oxygen): A byproduct of photosynthesis. Plants release this into the atmosphere.

Essentially, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose (a sugar) and oxygen.