Final answer:
The balanced equation for photosynthesis is 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂, indicating the conversion of CO₂ and H₂O into glucose and oxygen with the help of sunlight by plants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The balanced equation for photosynthesis is option a) 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂. This represents the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. It is a complex series of reactions that occur in two stages, the light-dependent reactions, and the Calvin cycle. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and water (H₂O) from the soil, using energy from sunlight to synthesize glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), which serves as a fuel for plant growth and metabolism.