The most general chemical equation for oxygen based photosynthesis is as follows:
CO2 + H2O + photons --> CH2O + O2
This can be read as carbon dioxide plus water plus photons (energy
from sunlight) gives a carbohydrate (CH2O) and oxygen. You are probably
looking for standard plant photosynthesis to make glucose. That
equation is here:
6CO2 + 6H2O + photons --> C6H12O6 + 6O2
This can be read as carbon dioxide plus water plus energy from
sunlight gives glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen. Basically the carbon
dioxide is taken in through the leaves of the plant. The water is taken
in from the root system. Organelles in the plant called chloroplasts
contain a pigment called chlorophyll which is able to absorb energy from
the sunlight. The glucose produced is the energy the plant uses for
its own cellular processes. And the oxygen is a byproduct of the
process that is dissipated through the leaves and into the air for
humans and animals to breathe.
