Final answer:
Photosynthesis is a chemical reaction in which plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process involves two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Photosynthesis is a type of chemical reaction that is vital for life on Earth. In this process, plants convert carbon dioxide and water, using energy from sunlight, into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen. The overall equation for photosynthesis can be summarized as 6CO2 + 6H₂O + Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2. During the light-dependent reactions, chlorophyll absorbs energy from sunlight which is converted into chemical energy with the assistance of water, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. In the Calvin cycle, the chemical energy from the light-dependent reactions is used for the formation of sugar molecules.