Understand the process of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. The general chemical equation for photosynthesis involves carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), and oxygen (O₂).
Identify the reactants and products: In photosynthesis, the reactants are carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), and the products are glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). This process occurs in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll.
Write the balanced chemical equation: The balanced equation for photosynthesis is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. 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.
Analyze the given options: Compare each option to the correct balanced equation for photosynthesis. Ensure that the reactants (CO₂ and H₂O) are on the left side and the products (C₆H₁₂O₆ and O₂) are on the right side, with the correct stoichiometric coefficients.
Select the correct answer: The correct answer is the option that matches the balanced equation for photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This equation accurately represents the overall chemical process of photosynthesis.