Final answer:
Photosynthesis can be summarized by the chemical equation 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O₂, representing a transition of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O₂. This simple representation summarizes a complex series of reactions where plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen with the help of sunlight energy. Despite its simplicity, the process involves multiple intermediate reactants and products, spanning two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle. As the reverse process of photosynthesis, cellular respiration releases carbon back into the atmosphere when organisms use glucose for energy.