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

This means:

* 6 molecules of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and 6 molecules of water (H₂O) react in the presence of light energy to produce

* 1 molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and 6 molecules of oxygen (O₂) .

Let's break it down:

* CO₂ (carbon dioxide): This is the source of carbon for the glucose molecule.

* H₂O (water): This provides the hydrogen atoms for glucose and the oxygen atoms released as a byproduct.

* Light energy: This is the energy source that drives the chemical reaction.

* C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose): This is the sugar produced by photosynthesis, a primary energy source for plants.

* O₂ (oxygen): This is a byproduct of photosynthesis and is released into the atmosphere.

This reaction is simplified and represents the overall process. Photosynthesis actually occurs in two stages:

1. Light-dependent reactions: These reactions use light energy to split water molecules, releasing oxygen and generating energy carriers.

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