Photosynthesis Simulation Student Answer Sheet

Simulation: LINK

In this simulation you can directly measure the rate of photosynthesis by counting the number of bubbles
that are released.

Pre-Lab Question:
1. Explain why counting the bubbles that rise from the plant is an appropriate measurement tool
for rate of photosynthesis.

Because it shows how much the light that is available for this process is effective, the more light the
more bubbles there will be.

2. Why are the bubbles produced? (Hint: Think of the formula of photosynthesis)

the bubbles are produced because the light source in the light dependent reaction helped produce oxygen,
which is what the bubbles are made up of.

Background Information:
We have previously discussed 4 potential variables that limit the rate of photosynthesis: amount of carbon
dioxide, light intensity, wavelength ”color” of light, and temperature. The provided simulation will only
allow us to test light intensity.

Initial Question: How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?
You may test either Variable A: power source (but keep the distance constant) or Variable B: Distance (but keep the
power source constant).

Choose one variable (above) and design an experiment that would test how this factor affects the rate of
photosynthesis. Remember, that when designing an experiment, you need to keep all variables constant
except the one you are testing.

Collect data and write a summary of your findings that includes the following:

Hypothesis: Increasing the power source increases the number of bubbles produced

What is your Independent Variable: power source

What is your Dependent Variable: photosynthesis

What variable(s) should be controlled: Distance of power source and color of light.

Summary: The dependent variable which is photosynthesis depends on the independent variable
which is the power source, changing the power source without changing the distance or color of
light still affects how many bubbles are released.
Data Table: Change the “independent variable'' below to your specific limiting factor that you chose. Each trial
should be for at least 1 minute using the clock provided on the simulation.

Normally you would do several trials. Then you would determine the average for the specific variable you are testing.
However, this is a computer simulation. The trials will turn out the same every time. So, you only need to do each
independent variable one time. You will graph this one number.

Independent Variable Trial 1

40 3

100 6

Conclusion:
Claim: Restate your original hypothesis. Accept or reject your hypothesis. As needed, provide the correct hypothesis.
Increasing the power source increases the number of bubbles produced, adding more light to help increase
the rate at which the light dependent reaction occurs is going to help with the rate of the whole photosynthesis
process.

Evidence: Create a graph of your data and insert (Copy and Paste) it here. Provide a title and label your axis. You will
need to open a blank google sheet, copy your data from above, and use your graph skills.

According to the data, when the power source was at 40w with clear light, only 3 bubbles were produced compared to
when it was at 100w with clear light at which 6 bubbles were produced with both the light sources being placed the same
distance from the plant.

Reasoning: Interpret your evidence to support your hypothesis. Use science to explain! Attempt to connect to real
world relevance!
During the light dependent reaction of photosynthesis, H2O is taken in and oxygen is produced and
released, the amouth of oxygen released is mostly determined by how much light is there during the
process because the light source in the light dependent reaction helps produce oxygen, which is what
the bubbles are made up of. Increasing the power source increases the number of bubbles produced,
adding more light to help increase the rate at which the light dependent reaction occurs is going to
help with the rate of the whole photosynthesis process. As shown in the data above, when the power
source was at 40w with clear light, only 3 bubbles were produced compared to when it was at 100w
with clear light at which 6 bubbles were produced with both the light sources being placed the same
distance from the plant.