The chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2. In this process, carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and water (H2O) from the soil are converted into glucose (C6H12O6), a type of sugar that serves as energy for plants, and oxygen (O2), which is released as a byproduct. Photosynthesis occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells using sunlight as energy to drive the reaction. This fundamental process is essential for life, as it provides food for plants and oxygen for animals.