Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of light intensity on rate of
photosynthesis by using elodea pondweed.
Abstract:
Photosynthesis is a necessary response in all plants since it provides them with energy.
Because light is one of the needed reactants, it was chosen to explore the effects of varying
light intensities on photosynthesis rate, with the hypothesis that higher light intensity equals
higher photosynthetic rate. The rate of photosynthesis was measured by counting the
number of oxygen bubbles produced by aquatic plants known as elodea. The elodea plant
was placed in the test tube filled with 0.2% concentration of sodium hydrogen carbonate on
different distances from light source. However, huge changes are found between increases
in oxygen bubbles from the light source. A graph shows the curve to collect data and
analyse it. From this, that elodea has high photosynthesis at 54.0 average rate at light
intensity. Furthermore, because our findings were not statistically significant, more research
is needed to identify how light intensity affects photosynthesis in elodea. Photosynthesis can
be improved by the energy contained in artificial light. Artificial light can supply them with the
energy they require to grow. From germination until flowering, this ensures proper
photosynthesis. LED Grow lights, HPS, and CFL lamps are the most used artificial light
sources. The purpose of artificial lighting is to enhance the amount of light available to
plants. Artificial light will encourage your indoor plants to produce more photosynthesis and,
as a result, grow more quickly and effectively.
Introduction:
Carbon dioxide and water are used by plants to make glucose and oxygen. This process is
known as photosynthesis. When aquatic plants photosynthesise, visible bubbles of oxygen
gas are released into the surrounding water. The rate of photosynthesis can be measured by
counting these bubbles. Aquatic plants are an example such as pondweed. Chlorophylls,
which are green pigments, are used by plants to capture light energy. Chlorophylls are
responsible for a plant's green colour. The light energy is processed to create a simple sugar
called glucose inside chloroplast-containing cells. Photosynthesis is the process through
which plants convert light energy into glucose. Carbon dioxide reacts with water to generate
glucose, while oxygen is released throughout the glucose production process.
Photosynthesis produces oxygen, which is then released as a gas. Photosynthesis occurs
quickly when a large amount of oxygen is released. Photosynthesis takes a long time if there
isn't much oxygen available. The rate of photosynthesis is affected by the amount of trapped
light energy and the amount of carbon dioxide available.
Hypothesis: Plants have chlorophyll, which absorbs more light as the light intensity
rises, resulting in an increase in photosynthesis rate (oxygen bubbles). The number of
, oxygen bubbles will remain constant over a length of time. Photosynthesis will be
affected by the limiting factors such as: concentration of carbon dioxide, temperature
and light intensity. The more carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere it will increase
the rate of photosynthesis. The higher the temperature, the higher rate of photosynthesis
and lower the temperature the lower the rate of photosynthesis. The higher the light
intensity, the higher rate of photosynthesis but if temperature gets too high the plant will
get destroyed and their no longer photosynthesis.
Independent variables: temperature, distance from the light source/light intensity.
Dependent variables: time taken, the number of bubbles produced per minute.
Control variables: volume of water, concentration of sodium hydrogencarbonate solution,
temperature, using the same piece of elodea pondweed each time.
Health and safety: In this experiment, 0.2% of solution sodium hydrogen carbonate was
used which was not risky to use because the solution was not highly concentrated. However,
if it was highly concentrated it would be irritating for skin, corrosive which can be dangerous
for the environment. To minimise the risk of using this chemical during this practical
investigation students must wear Personal protective equipment (PPE) health and safety act
which includes lab coat, goggles to protect eyes, gloves for protecting hands and also long
hair needs to tie. Be careful when using hot water, because it can burn the body so wearing
PPE is very important, according to the health act COSHH control of substances hazardous
to health to protect yourself and ensure everyone's safety working in the lab.
Also when carrying out this experiment if any incident happens such as beaker breaks,
chemical splash quickly informs the teacher to avoid this carefully placing everything in the
middle of the table where you can easily handle things.
Risk assessment:
Equipment Risk Prevention Treatment
hazard
On Lamp ➢ can burn hands ➢ Must wear PPE ➢ Wash burn areas with
or skin. such as lab cold water or use ice
➢ Might expose. coats, goggles cubes, if it's more serious
and also be then inform the teacher
careful when for medical help.
handling.
0.2% of solution ➢ Can cause skin ➢ Must wear PPE ➢ If it get in contact with
sodium hydrogen and eye including skin wash skin with soap
carbonate irritation. gloves, wash at least 15 minutes
➢ May have life hands after ➢ If it gets in the eye, open
long effects. using and it properly, flush water for
avoid it in the at least 15 minutes, get
surrounding medical help immediately
environment. if the situation is very
serious.
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