Carbon dioxide + water + light energy → glucose + oxygen
Here's a breakdown:
* Carbon dioxide (CO2): The main source of carbon for the plant.
* Water (H2O): Provides hydrogen and electrons for the process.
* Light energy: Energy from the sun that powers the reaction.
* Glucose (C6H12O6): A sugar molecule that serves as food for the plant.
* Oxygen (O2): A byproduct of the reaction that is released into the atmosphere.