What is the net chemical equation for photosynthesis using common shorthand?

• A. 6 H2O + 6 CO2 + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
• B. 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
• C. C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy
• D. CO2 + H2O + light → glucose + O2

Answer: (B)

The net equation for photosynthesis shows the inputs used to build a sugar from carbon dioxide and water, with light energy driving the process, and the outputs being glucose and oxygen. The conventional form uses six molecules of carbon dioxide and six of water to produce one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen, highlighting that carbon in the glucose comes from CO2 and that the oxygen released comes from the water. The coefficients reflect the actual step-by-step stoichiometry for making a six-carbon sugar, so six CO2 molecules are required for one glucose molecule and six O2 are produced. This layout, starting with CO2 and H2O as reactants and ending with glucose and O2 as products, matches the standard way the reaction is taught and written. Other phrasings can be balanced, but they’re not aligned with the common convention and may omit or misorder components, which is why the conventional form is the best representation.