Investigation into the factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis

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Biology Investigation: Investigation into the factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis

Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the chemical process, which takes place in every green plant to produce food in the form of glucose. Plants use the energy from the sun to make the glucose, which is sent around the plant. Photosynthesis takes place mainly in the leaves with the aid of chlorophyll, which is found in chloroplasts. Leaves have a large surface area to obtain more the most sunlight as possible to photosynthesise.

The chemical equation for photosynthesis is:

Carbon dioxide + Water = Glucose and Oxygen

6CO2 + 6H20 = C6H1206 + 6O2

I have decided to do a preliminary experiment to help me with my investigation. I have chosen to investigate how light affects the rate of photosynthesis. I will use this information to help me with my main investiagtion into how colours affect the rate of photosynthesis.

Aim: To investigate how photosynthesis is altered by light.

Prediction: I predict that in this preliminary experiment the amount of bubbles will increase as the light is intensified. The bubbles will slow down as the lamp is moved further away from the boiling tube containing the plant.

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Apparatus:

  • Test tube
  • Clamp
  • Lamp
  • Thermometer
  • Stopwatch
  • 30cm Ruler
  • Light Shield

Diagram

Method: I decided to do a preliminary experiment before the final investigation to make my results more accurate. I investigated how light intensity affects the rate of reaction.

 I adjusted to position of the light box find out what distance away from the test tube produced more bubbles. I used a ruler to measure out distances then recorded how many bubbles were produced in a certain amount of time. I ...

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