Step 1: Begin by understanding the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the biological process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. The reactants are carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), and the products are glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).
Step 2: Recall the general chemical equation for photosynthesis. It is represented as: 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂. This equation shows that six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water are converted into one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen, using light energy.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Compare each equation to the general chemical equation for photosynthesis. Look for the correct arrangement of reactants (CO₂ and H₂O) and products (C₆H₁₂O₆ and O₂).
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the equation '6 O₂ + C₆H₁₂O₆ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O' represents cellular respiration, not photosynthesis. Similarly, '6 CO₂ + 6 O₂ → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 H₂O' is incorrect because it misplaces oxygen as a reactant instead of a product.
Step 5: Identify the correct equation: '6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂'. This matches the general chemical equation for photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose and oxygen.