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. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and involves light-dependent and light-independent reactions.
Step 2: Recall the general formula for photosynthesis. The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is typically written as: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This equation shows that six molecules of carbon dioxide react with six molecules of water to produce one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided. Look for the equation that matches the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis. Ensure that the number of atoms for each element is equal on both sides of the equation, as this is a requirement for a balanced chemical equation.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the equation CO₂ + H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ is not balanced because it does not account for the correct number of molecules involved in the process. Similarly, 6CO₂ + 12H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6H₂O + 6O₂ includes extra water molecules that are not part of the standard photosynthesis equation.
Step 5: Confirm the correct answer. The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This equation accurately represents the stoichiometry of the photosynthesis process, with equal numbers of atoms on both sides of the equation.