6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Here's what each part represents:
* 6CO₂: Six molecules of carbon dioxide (CO₂) are taken in from the atmosphere.
* 6H₂O: Six molecules of water (H₂O) are absorbed from the soil through the roots.
* light energy: Energy from sunlight is captured by chlorophyll in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
* C₆H₁₂O₆: One molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), a type of sugar, is produced as the primary energy source for the plant.
* 6O₂: Six molecules of oxygen (O₂) are released as a byproduct into the atmosphere.
In simpler words:
Plants use carbon dioxide from the air, water from the soil, and sunlight to create sugar (glucose) for their food, and they release oxygen as a waste product.