What Is the Balanced Chemical Equation for Photosynthesis? (original) (raw)

Photosynthesis Overall Chemical Reaction

Frank Krahmer / Getty Images

Updated on October 24, 2022

Photosynthesis is the process in plants and certain other organisms that uses the energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen.

Equation

Here is the balanced equation for the overall reaction:

6 CO2 + 6 H2O → C6H12O6 + 6 O2

Where:
CO2 = carbon dioxide
H2O = water
light is required
C6H12O6 = glucose
O2 = oxygen

Explanation

In words, the equation may be stated as: Six carbon dioxide molecules and six water molecules react to produce one glucose molecule and six oxygen molecules.

The reaction requires energy in the form of light to overcome the activation energy needed for the reaction to proceed. Carbon dioxide and water don't spontaneously convert into glucose and oxygen.