What is the complete photosynthesis equation?

The complete equation for photosynthesis is represented by the chemical formula: 6H2O + 6CO2 --> C6H12O6 + 6O2. This reaction illustrates how plants convert water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into glucose (C6H12O6), a type of sugar that serves as an energy source for the plant, and oxygen (O2), which is released as a byproduct.

In this equation, the numbers preceding each compound indicate the mole ratio of reactants and products. Specifically, six molecules of water and six molecules of carbon dioxide are required to produce one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen. This encapsulation reflects the fundamental process by which plants use sunlight, along with chlorophyll, in the chloroplasts to harness energy to synthesize food.

In contrast, the other options either present the equation in the wrong direction or depict incorrect compounds or processes. One option reverses the process entirely, showing cellular respiration instead of photosynthesis, while another presents a verbal description that lacks the precise chemical accuracy found in the balanced equation. Thus, the first option accurately captures the essence of photosynthesis in a systematic and scientifically valid way.