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 overall 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.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Compare each option to the correct 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, options that show oxygen (O₂) as a reactant instead of a product or glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) as a reactant instead of a product are incorrect. Ensure the equation is balanced with the same number of atoms on both sides.
Step 5: Select the correct answer. The correct representation of the photosynthesis equation is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, as it accurately reflects the reactants and products involved in the process.