Photosynthesis experiment

• Variables of Photosynthesis experiment

  • Independent - The bicarbonate concentration of the solution
  • Dependent - Amount of leaves floating/oxygen produced
  • Control - Amount of bicarbonate solution, temperature of the environment, same light intensity (lamps)
• Why do we use dish soap?

  Because dish soap breaks down the waxy cuticle and stops it from controlling gas exchange in the plant so that it can take up the carbon dioxide derived from the baking soda and release oxygen faster for the experiment. Also reduces the surface tension of the water with the leaf.
• Why do we use baking soda?

  Baking soda provides the carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis.
• Why did we use the syringe for suction?

  We did that so we can remove the oxygen and the leaves can produce new oxygen for themselves.
• How does the leaves floating tell me about the rate of photosynthesis?

  Because the leaves floating tells us that oxygen has pushed it up to the surface to float and the more leaves floating, the more oxygen produced and so, the faster the rate of photosynthesis is. This decreases the density of the disks, and they begin to float.
• Why do we cut them into discs?

  Because the gases in the air spaces in the leaf discs can be removed. This allows the leaf discs to sink when they are placed in a liquid.
• Explain the method in your own words

  explained --