The Effect of Light Intensity on Photosynthesis
The Effects of Light Intensity on the Rate of Photosynthesis
Aim: To investigate the effects of light intensity on photosynthesis.
Background: Photosynthesis is a process that plants undergo to produce glucose. The plant then uses the glucose to produce energy which the plant needs to sustain life. The chemical formula for photosynthesis is: Sunlight
6CO2 +6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Chlorophyll
The plant requires light, carbon dioxide and water to partake in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is crucial to the survival of the plant and all organisms that rely on the plant for food as it enables the plant to produce glucose which it uses to produce energy (ATP) to enable the plant to grow and survive. If one of these requirements were to be increased in quantity, then logically, the rate of photosynthesis in the plant would be increased as well due to the increased amount of resources. In this experiment, the requirement that was increased was light measured in the form of intensity. It is expected that light intensity will affect the plant’s rate of photosynthesis by increasing it due to the increased amount of resources that the plant now has. The rate of photosynthesis increases as light intensity is increased further; however, the rate of photosynthesis is eventually limited by some other factor. (Royal Society of Chemistry, no date)
Prediction/Hypothesis: The plants rate of photosynthesis will increase as the intensity of light is increased.
Equipment: * One 1L beaker * One test tube * 500ml of distilled water * One bench lamp * One 1m ruler * Stopwatch * Thermometer * Teaspoon * Stirring Rod * 5 teaspoons of Sodium Bi-Carbonate * Elodea * Small Funnel
Method: 1. The sodium bi-carbonate was stirred with 500mL of distilled water in a 1L beaker. 2. The test tube was filled with the solution. 3. The Elodea was cut into a 10cm long piece.
Aim: To investigate the effects of light intensity on photosynthesis.
Background: Photosynthesis is a process that plants undergo to produce glucose. The plant then uses the glucose to produce energy which the plant needs to sustain life. The chemical formula for photosynthesis is: Sunlight
6CO2 +6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Chlorophyll
The plant requires light, carbon dioxide and water to partake in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is crucial to the survival of the plant and all organisms that rely on the plant for food as it enables the plant to produce glucose which it uses to produce energy (ATP) to enable the plant to grow and survive. If one of these requirements were to be increased in quantity, then logically, the rate of photosynthesis in the plant would be increased as well due to the increased amount of resources. In this experiment, the requirement that was increased was light measured in the form of intensity. It is expected that light intensity will affect the plant’s rate of photosynthesis by increasing it due to the increased amount of resources that the plant now has. The rate of photosynthesis increases as light intensity is increased further; however, the rate of photosynthesis is eventually limited by some other factor. (Royal Society of Chemistry, no date)
Prediction/Hypothesis: The plants rate of photosynthesis will increase as the intensity of light is increased.
Equipment: * One 1L beaker * One test tube * 500ml of distilled water * One bench lamp * One 1m ruler * Stopwatch * Thermometer * Teaspoon * Stirring Rod * 5 teaspoons of Sodium Bi-Carbonate * Elodea * Small Funnel
Method: 1. The sodium bi-carbonate was stirred with 500mL of distilled water in a 1L beaker. 2. The test tube was filled with the solution. 3. The Elodea was cut into a 10cm long piece.