Which of the following is the correct word equation for photosynthesis?

• A. Carbon dioxide + water + light energy → glucose + oxygen
• B. Carbon dioxide + oxygen → glucose + water
• C. Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy
• D. Nitrogen + water + light energy → amino acids + oxygen

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.
2. Recall the general word equation for photosynthesis, which involves carbon dioxide and water as reactants, and glucose and oxygen as products, with light energy driving the reaction.
3. Write the word equation for photosynthesis as: Carbon dioxide + water + light energy → glucose + oxygen.
4. Compare this equation with the other options to identify that the other equations represent different biological processes, such as cellular respiration or nitrogen fixation.
5. Conclude that the correct word equation for photosynthesis is the one where carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of light energy, produce glucose and oxygen.