No, light energy is not changed to cell energy in stage 1 of photosynthesis. Here's a breakdown of what happens in stage 1 (also called the light-dependent reactions):

* Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll: This pigment in the chloroplasts of plant cells captures light energy, specifically in the red and blue wavelengths.

* Water molecules are split: The absorbed light energy is used to split water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen ions (H+), electrons (e-), and oxygen gas (O₂).

* Energy carriers are created: The energy from the light is used to create two important energy carriers:

* ATP (adenosine triphosphate): This is a short-term energy storage molecule.

* NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate): This molecule carries high-energy electrons.

* Oxygen is released as a byproduct: The oxygen gas produced during the splitting of water is released into the atmosphere.

Stage 2 of photosynthesis (the Calvin cycle) is where the energy carriers (ATP and NADPH) created in stage 1 are used to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), which is the cell's main source of energy.

So, in summary:

* Stage 1 of photosynthesis captures light energy and uses it to create energy carriers.

* Stage 2 of photosynthesis uses those energy carriers to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.