Photosynthesis Lab Report
Discussion:
The effect of wavelength of light on the rate of photosynthesis was investigated in this experiment. The results from Figure 13 suggest that white light, containing all wavelengths of coloured light, has the highest rate of photosynthesis. Purple light had the second highest efficiency, followed by blue, red, and yellow light. Green light was significantly less efficient, producing the second lowest pH reading (Figure 14). The samples exposed to no light had the lowest rate of photosynthesis. The hypothesis that white light would have the highest rate of photosynthesis, and no light and green light will prevent photosynthesis from occurring was partially supported by these results.
As all of the samples changed from a neutral red to a colour to a colour between shades of yellow and orange, it can be concluded that the samples respired rather than photosynthesised. This was caused by insufficient light intensity and duration of testing. The trend demonstrated in the results is likely to be considered valid however, as it follows the trend established in the biological background as the rate of respiration was …show more content…
By repeating each test for the different colours of light three times, it was possible to calculate the mean of the results, as well as determine the precision of the results and determine outlying figures. Conducting multiple tests also allows for conclusions regarding the precision and accuracy of the experiment to be made more confidently and easily. Another strong point in the method was lining the boxes containing the samples with aluminium foil to create a reflective environment that enhances the brightness of the original lighting. By coating the box in a reflective material, the light was not absorbed as it would have been by the brown cardboard, creating an environment with an increased light intensity. This allowed for maximum photosynthetic activity to
The effect of wavelength of light on the rate of photosynthesis was investigated in this experiment. The results from Figure 13 suggest that white light, containing all wavelengths of coloured light, has the highest rate of photosynthesis. Purple light had the second highest efficiency, followed by blue, red, and yellow light. Green light was significantly less efficient, producing the second lowest pH reading (Figure 14). The samples exposed to no light had the lowest rate of photosynthesis. The hypothesis that white light would have the highest rate of photosynthesis, and no light and green light will prevent photosynthesis from occurring was partially supported by these results.
As all of the samples changed from a neutral red to a colour to a colour between shades of yellow and orange, it can be concluded that the samples respired rather than photosynthesised. This was caused by insufficient light intensity and duration of testing. The trend demonstrated in the results is likely to be considered valid however, as it follows the trend established in the biological background as the rate of respiration was …show more content…
By repeating each test for the different colours of light three times, it was possible to calculate the mean of the results, as well as determine the precision of the results and determine outlying figures. Conducting multiple tests also allows for conclusions regarding the precision and accuracy of the experiment to be made more confidently and easily. Another strong point in the method was lining the boxes containing the samples with aluminium foil to create a reflective environment that enhances the brightness of the original lighting. By coating the box in a reflective material, the light was not absorbed as it would have been by the brown cardboard, creating an environment with an increased light intensity. This allowed for maximum photosynthetic activity to