Which equation represents the process of photosynthesis?

The process of photosynthesis can be accurately represented by the equation 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This reaction illustrates how carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of sunlight, are converted into glucose and oxygen.

In this process, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through their stomata and absorb water from the soil through their roots. During photosynthesis, chlorophyll in plant cells captures sunlight, which provides the energy needed to drive the chemical reaction. The glucose produced serves as an essential energy source for the plant, while oxygen is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere, contributing to the air we breathe.

This equation not only accounts for the conservation of mass but also highlights the fundamental role of photosynthesis in the ecosystem as it transforms inorganic substances into organic matter, thus supporting life on Earth.