Which equation correctly represents photosynthesis?

• A. C6H12O6 + 6 O2 -> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O
• B. 6 CO2 + 6 H2O -> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O
• C. 6 CO2 + 6 H2O -> 6 CH2O + 6 O2
• D. 6 CO2 + 6 H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6 O2

Answer: (D)

Photosynthesis is how plants use light energy to turn carbon dioxide and water into stored chemical energy in sugar, with oxygen released as a byproduct. The most accurate representation shows six carbon dioxide and six water molecules combining to form one glucose molecule and six oxygen molecules. This balanced equation reflects the actual products: glucose is the energy-rich sugar produced, and oxygen is the gas released. The other forms either depict the reverse process, or use an empirical carbohydrate formula that’s less precise than showing the actual glucose molecule, or don’t correctly represent the net inputs and outputs of photosynthesis.