What does the sun give to a plant to make new minerals for growth?

The sun provides energy in the form of sunlight, which plants use in the process of photosynthesis. During this process, plants convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen. The glucose serves as a vital energy source for growth, while the minerals and nutrients absorbed from the soil support various physiological functions. Thus, sunlight is crucial for driving the chemical reactions that enable plants to synthesize the compounds they need for development.