How light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis. (Measured by the amount of bubbles produced in 2 minuets)

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Planning 6/6

Analasis 6/8

Implementation 6/8

Evaluation 4/6

NOTE:PICTURES AND DIAGRAMS FROM THE ORIGONAL ESSAY WILL NOT APPEAR SO THERE MAY BE UNXPLAINED GAPS

How light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis.

(Measured by the amount of bubbles produced in 2 minuets)

Scientific Knowledge and Understanding

Canadian pondweed

This is the pond weed we will be using. It is North American and widely naturalized in Europe

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis - The process by which plants convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose, using energy from the sun. (OCR Biology Text book)

The word equation for photosynthesis is:

Light provides energy for the reaction of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis does not happen at night/in the dark.

Rate

Rate - How quickly something happens (OCR Biology Text book)

Light Intensity

Light Intensity - One of the factors that can limit the rate of photosynthesis (OCR Biology Text book)

Light is fast moving particles called photons that travel in waves and possess energy.

Intense or bright light has more photons and therefore more energy than dull or dim light. Photons of light knock of electrons from chlorophyll molecules. These electrons then allow the chemical reaction of photosynthesis to happen.

Therefore if you place a lamp close to a lamp it will photosynthesise faster than if it is further away from it.

A graph plotting light intensity against the rate of photosynthesis should look something like this.

This is similar to how my graph should look.

The formula for light intensity is 1 ÷ distance 2

Limiting Factors

Limiting Factor - A factor that limits the rate of photosynthesis (OCR Biology Text book)

Three factors limit photosynthesis from going any faster: Light level, carbon dioxide level, and temperature.

- Without enough light a plant cannot photosynthesise very fast, even if there is plenty of water...