A group of students designed a series of experiments to investigate factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis in plants. The plants were enclosed in clear plastic boxes and kept in the dark for ten minutes. The plants in their boxes were then exposed to light for ten minutes. The students measured the oxygen concentration in the air surrounding the plants. The results of their experiments are shown in the graph below. **a. i.** Write a balanced chemical equation for the process of photosynthesis. **ii.** By referring to your balanced equation, explain why the oxygen concentration in the air surrounding the plants can be used as a measure of the rate of photosynthesis. **b.** Explain why the oxygen concentration in the plants decreased during the first 10 minutes of the experiment.

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A group of students designed a series of experiments to investigate factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis in plants - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2002 - Paper 1

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A group of students designed a series of experiments to investigate factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis in plants. The plants were enclosed in clear plastic... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A group of students designed a series of experiments to investigate factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis in plants - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2002 - Paper 1

Step 1

Write a balanced chemical equation for the process of photosynthesis.

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Answer

The balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis is:

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{radiant energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$

This equation shows that carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of light energy, are converted into glucose and oxygen.

Step 2

By referring to your balanced equation, explain why the oxygen concentration in the air surrounding the plants can be used as a measure of the rate of photosynthesis.

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Answer

Oxygen is a byproduct of the photosynthesis process, as indicated in the balanced equation. The more photosynthesis occurs, the greater the production of oxygen. Therefore, measuring the oxygen concentration can provide a direct indication of the rate at which photosynthesis is taking place.

Step 3

Explain why the oxygen concentration in the plants decreased during the first 10 minutes of the experiment.

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Answer

During the first 10 minutes, the plants were kept in the dark, which inhibited the process of photosynthesis. Consequently, oxygen was being utilized for respiration by the plants, leading to a decrease in the concentration of oxygen. Without light, there was no production of oxygen through photosynthesis to replenish what was being consumed.

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A group of students designed a series of experiments to investigate factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis in plants - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2002 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A group of students designed a series of experiments to investigate factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis in plants - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 5 - 2002 - Paper 1

Write a balanced chemical equation for the process of photosynthesis.

By referring to your balanced equation, explain why the oxygen concentration in the air surrounding the plants can be used as a measure of the rate of photosynthesis.

Explain why the oxygen concentration in the plants decreased during the first 10 minutes of the experiment.

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