Here's a breakdown:
* Light absorption: Plants have a green pigment called chlorophyll in their leaves that absorbs sunlight.
* Energy conversion: The absorbed light energy is used to power a series of chemical reactions.
* Glucose production: Carbon dioxide from the air and water from the ground are combined to produce glucose (a sugar) and oxygen.
The glucose provides energy for the plant to grow and perform other life functions, while the oxygen is released into the atmosphere.