Title: Photosynthesis Light Intensity as a Limiting Factor

Aim:

To determine how varying light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis

Apparatus & Materials:

Rationale:

Test tube, spatula, watch glass, 600 ml beaker, glass

funnel, stop watch, bench lamp, metre rule, glass rod,
electric balance, scalpel, distilled water, Elodea
(pondweed), sodium hydrogen carbonate. Apparatus set
up as shown (drawing of apparatus required).

Increasing the distance between the plant and light source will
diminish the intensity of light reaching the plant. This is due to the
scattering and reflection of light from suspended matter in the air as
well as air itself. The relationship between the distance of light from
the plant and the light intensity is governed by the inverse square law:
light intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance.
i.e.: if the distance is doubled, the light intensity decreases to a of its
previous amount.

I 1/d2
WhereI = light intensity
d = distance between plant and lamp bulb
For each distance, use I = 10000/d2 to obtain suitable values of light
intensity to plot
Method:
1. Cut an 8 cm length of stem from an Elodea plant.
2. Set up the apparatus as shown, with the Elodea cutting under the inverted
glass funnel with the cut end pointing up.
3. Fill the beaker with 400ml the same water the Elodea plant was originally
living in.
4. Add 1g of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate to the water.
5. Cover all windows to reduce ambient light in the room as much as possible.
6. Using a metre rule, place the bulb of a laboratory desk lamp 5 cm from the
plant and turn it on so that the Elodea is illuminated from one side.
7. Once bubbles are observed rising from the cut end into the water of the test
tube, start the timer.
8. At the 2 minute mark, count the number of bubbles released for one minute.
Wait 20 seconds, then count the number of bubbles released for another
minute.
9. Repeat this procedure by doubling the lamp distance (10, 20, 40, ...) until no
bubbles are being released within the time allotted.
10.Record all results and use them to calculate average bubble release per
minute and plot a graph of Photosynthetic rate (in bubbles per minute) vs
Light intensity.

Observations:
1. Table of results
2. Sample calculations
3. Graph
Discussion:
1. Background
a. Discuss biochemical significance of light and its connection to the
release of O2 during photosynthesis.
b. Discuss concept of limiting factors, including the conditions under
which light will act as a limiting factor
2. Explanation
a. How was the condition of light as a limiting factor established?
b. Describe and explain the graph drawn, referring to points from the line
to support you.
3. Precautions/errors/limitations ensure that all precautionary measures are
explained (waiting 2 minutes, taking averages, etc)
Conclusion: