7.5A Photosynthesis

Chemical Energy

Energy stored in the particles that make up food, fuel, and other matter, which is released during a chemical reaction such as burning wood, or the reactions that occur in the cells of organisms.

Photosynthesis

A chemical reaction during which plants convert radiant energy from the Sun to chemical energy; a reaction that converts carbon dioxide and water to sugar (glucose).

Glucose

A simple sugar molecule with stored chemical energy used by plants as their energy source; one of the main products of the photosynthesis process.

Products

A substance produced during a chemical reaction.

Reactants

A substance that takes part in and undergoes change during a reaction.

Radiant Energy

Energy from the Sun that reaches Earth as visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared radiation (heat).

Chemical Reaction

The process by which one or more substances change to produce one or more different substances.

Molecule

The simplest unit of a chemical compound that can exist, formed when two or more atoms join together chemically.

Atom

The smallest particle of an element maintaining the chemical identity of that element.