Final answer:
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and certain bacteria transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, using light energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process that obtains carbon dioxide and water from the surroundings and produces carbohydrates and oxygen gas is photosynthesis. This vital chemical reaction allows plants and certain types of bacteria to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) using light energy. Photosynthesis can be represented by the following simplified chemical equation: 6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2. This process not only provides the carbohydrates that serve as a food source for plants but also releases oxygen into the atmosphere, which is essential for the survival of animal life on Earth.