Plants convert the sun's energy into chemical energy stored in the form of sugars, specifically glucose. This process is called photosynthesis.

Here's how it works:

1. Sunlight is captured by chlorophyll, a green pigment found in plants.

2. Carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil are absorbed by the plant.

3. The energy from sunlight is used to split water molecules, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

4. The energy from sunlight is also used to combine carbon dioxide and hydrogen from water to form glucose, a type of sugar.

This glucose is then used by the plant for growth, reproduction, and other life processes. It can also be stored as starch for later use.