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)

Here's a breakdown:

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

* Water (H₂O): The source of hydrogen and electrons for glucose, and the oxygen atoms released as a byproduct.

* Light energy: Provides the energy required for the reaction.

* Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆): A sugar molecule that is the primary energy source for plants and other organisms.

* Oxygen (O₂): A byproduct of photosynthesis that is released into the atmosphere.

This reaction is actually a simplified representation of a complex process that occurs in two stages:

1. Light-dependent reactions: Capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

2. Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): Use the ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to convert CO₂ into glucose.