An Investigation Into How Light Intensity Affects The Rate Of Photosynthesis

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An Investigation Into How Light Intensity Affects The Rate Of Photosynthesis

Introduction

I am aiming to research my theory the when light intensity increases on a plant, photosynthesis will also increase at a directly proportional rate, in contrast to the light.

Photosynthesis is the operation in which a plant collects sunlight (or any other light) and traps it in chlorophyll, and is used in the manufacture of a carbohydrate from carbon dioxide and water. This process can be summarized by the equation below:

CO2 + H2O -> (light energy) -> CH2O + O2

Or

Carbon Dioxide + Water -> (light energy) -> Carbohydrate + Oxygen

Light is a source of energy. During photosynthesis, the light photochemically splits water. This provides hydrogen atoms for the reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2).

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Prediction

I predict that the more light intensity that a plant endures, the more photosynthesis will occur. I think this because photosynthesis can increase, and the more light that falls on the plant the more photosynthesis will occur.

I also predict that it will do this in a directly proportional rate.

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I predict when it gets to a certain point; photosynthesis will stop increasing and will be at a constant rate. This is because light is a limiting factor of photosynthesis.

Apparatus

  • Pond Weed (elodea)
  • Ray box and Power Pack
  • Beaker (300ml)
  • Water (300ml)
  • Thermometer
  • Funnel
  • Test Tube
  • Stopwatch
  • Volt Metre
  • Box

Variables

  • Distance of the plant from the light source (light intensity)
  • Amount of O2/CO2 present in the air
  • Temperature
  • Amount of chlorophyll in plant
  • Type of plant

Method

I will collect all the apparatus I stated earlier, and ...

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