Equation for Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a biochemical process by which green plants, algae and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy.
The equation for photosynthesis summarizes this process:
- 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
In simpler terms, this equation states that carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), in the presence of light energy, are transformed into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2).

Carbon dioxide (CO2): Provided by the air, it is absorbed by plants through tiny openings in the leaves called stomata.
Water (H2O): Absorbed by the plant roots from the soil, it is transported to the leaves via xylem vessels.
Light energy: Captured by the chlorophyll in the chloroplasts of the plant cells.
Glucose (C6H12O6): The end product that serves as an energy source for the plant.
Oxygen (O2): The by-product released into the atmosphere, crucial in supporting life on earth.

The equation for photosynthesis demonstrates that water and carbon dioxide are reactants, and glucose and oxygen are products.
It also illustrates that photosynthesis is an energy-transformation process. Light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
6 molecules of carbon dioxide combine with 6 molecules of water to form 1 molecule of glucose and 6 molecules of oxygen, demonstrating the principle of conservation of mass.
It’s important to note that although the simple equation for photosynthesis is balanced, in nature, photosynthesis is a complex series of many biochemical reactions rather than a single, instantaneous reaction.