Final answer:
Plants absorb solar energy from the sun and convert it into chemical potential energy through photosynthesis, producing glucose and oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plants take in the sun's energy by absorbing solar energy through the process known as photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use chlorophyll in the leaves to convert light energy from the sun into chemical potential energy in the form of glucose, a simple sugar, and release oxygen as a byproduct. This transformation of energy is fundamental to the existence of life, as it enables plants to create their own food and also provides energy to other organisms up the food chain.