Photosynthesis happens in plants and algae. It is the reaction between carbon dioxide and water, using light energy, to make glucose and oxygen. The light is absorbed by the green pigment chlorophyll, which is found in the chloroplasts of the cells.
The word equation is: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen. The balanced symbol equation is 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2. Light energy is needed, and the reaction happens in the chloroplasts.
Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction. This means it takes in energy from the surroundings, and here the energy is taken in as light. The energy is stored in the glucose that is made. The oxygen is a waste product that leaves the plant, mostly through the leaves. The equation shows six molecules of oxygen made for each molecule of glucose.
