Step 1: 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 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. The balanced equation is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This represents the transformation of six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water into one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen, using light energy.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Look for the equation that matches the correct reactants (CO₂ and H₂O) and products (C₆H₁₂O₆ and O₂) in the correct order, ensuring the equation is balanced.
Step 4: Verify the stoichiometry of the equation. Ensure that the number of atoms of each element is equal on both sides of the equation. For example, carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms must be balanced.
Step 5: Select the correct equation from the options. The correct equation should be: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, as it accurately represents the process of photosynthesis.