Which is the word equation for photosynthesis? carbon + hydrogen + oxygen glucose + water glucose + water → carbon dioxide + oxygen From carbon dioxide + water glucose + oxygen glucose + oxygen carbon + water + oxygen

The correct word equation for photosynthesis is: From carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen

• In the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll (a green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants), plants convert carbon dioxide (from the air) and water (from the soil) into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen (which is released into the atmosphere).
• Photosynthesis is a fundamental process carried out by plants, algae, and some bacteria, where light energy is converted into chemical energy. During photosynthesis, light energy from the sun is captured by chlorophyll and used to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2).

The overall chemical reaction for photosynthesis in simplified form is:

6CO2 (carbon dioxide) + 6H2O (water) + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2 (oxygen)

Here's a breakdown of what happens in the process:

1. Light absorption: Chloroplasts absorb light energy. Most of the energy is absorbed by chlorophyll, but other pigments are also involved.

2. Water splitting: The absorbed energy splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

3. Oxygen release: The oxygen produced from splitting water is released into the atmosphere as a by-product.

4. Carbon fixation: The hydrogen from water and carbon dioxide from the air are combined to produce glucose. This is a form of carbon fixation, transforming inorganic carbon (CO2) into organic carbon (glucose).

5. Energy storage: The glucose produced can then be used by the plant as an energy source for growth and metabolism. It can also be stored as starch for later use.

Photosynthesis is crucial for life on Earth because it is the source of all the organic compounds in living organisms, even for those that do not photosynthesize themselves. Plus, the oxygen produced during photosynthesis is vital for the survival of aerobic (oxygen-requiring) organisms, including humans.