Which of the following best describes the overall equation for photosynthesis in plants?

• A. 6\text{O}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6
• B. 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2
• C. 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O}
• D. \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{energy}

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. The general equation for photosynthesis involves carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and light energy as reactants, and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) as products.
2. Step 2: Analyze the given options. The correct equation for photosynthesis should include CO₂ and H₂O as reactants, light energy as an input, and C₆H₁₂O₆ and O₂ as products. Ensure the equation is balanced, meaning the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
3. Step 3: Recall the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis: $6CO$₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This equation shows that six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water, in the presence of light energy, produce one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen.
4. Step 4: Compare the options provided in the problem with the correct photosynthesis equation. Eliminate any options that do not include light energy as a reactant or that incorrectly list the products and reactants.
5. Step 5: Select the option that matches the correct photosynthesis equation: $6CO$₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This option accurately represents the process of photosynthesis in plants.