Step 1: Understand the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) using sunlight energy.
Step 2: Recall the general formula for photosynthesis. The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is: . This equation represents the transformation of reactants (CO₂ and H₂O) into products (C₆H₁₂O₆ and O₂).
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Compare each equation to the general formula for photosynthesis. Ensure that the number of atoms for each element is balanced on both sides of the equation.
Step 4: Identify the correct equation. The correct equation should have 6 molecules of CO₂ and 6 molecules of H₂O as reactants, and 1 molecule of glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and 6 molecules of O₂ as products. This matches the balanced equation: .
Step 5: Confirm the answer. The correct equation is: . This equation is balanced and accurately represents the process of photosynthesis.