Research Report, Part 2

Name: Ethan Dexter

Results
Figure 1:
No Light

0 (min) 5 (min) 10 (min) 15 (min) 20 (min)

Run 1 0 0 0 0 0

Run 2 0 0 0 0 2

Run 3 0 0 0 0 0

Run 4 0 0 0 0 0

Run 5 0 0 0 0 0
Averages 0 0 0 0 0.4

6 Inches
0 (min) 5 (min) 10 (min) 15 (min) 20 (min)
Run 1 0 0 4 5 7
Run 0 1 2 3 5

Run 3 0 2 5 7 10
Run 4 0 2 4 5 7
Run 5 0 8 10 10 10

Averages 0 2.6 5 6 7.8

12 Inches
0 (min) 5 (min) 10 (min) 15 (min) 20 (min)
 Run 1 0 0 1 1 1
Run 2 0 2 2 5 6

Run 3 0 1 4 6 9
Run 4 0 2 3 5 7

Run 5 0 9 9 9 9
Averages 0 2.8 3.8 5.2 6.4

18Inches
0 (min) 5 (min) 10 (min) 15 (min) 20 (min)
Run 1 0 0 0 0 0
Run 2 0 0 1 2 4

Run 3 0 0 3 5 8
Run 4 0 0 0 2 3
Run 5 0 10 10 10 10
Averages 0 2 2.8 3.8 5

Caption:
These tables show the rate of photosynthesis when different light intensities are applied. We
measured the rate of photosynthesis by measuring the amount of floating spinach disks in a
water and baking soda solution, and we defined light intensity as distance from a 60 watt bulb.

Figure 2:
Caption: This graph shows the average rate of photosynthesis, defined here as the amount of floating
spinach disks, for each light intensity. Each line is an average of 5 runs with data points at 5 minute
increments.

Discussion and Conclusion

These results confirm the hypothesis that photosynthesis rates will vary
depending on light intensity. We also predicted that as light intensity increases then rate
of photosynthesis will increase also, and that is represented in our data as well.
However, we predicted that our control group would see a rate of photosynthesis of 0,
however one tester saw a rise of a few disks and that brought the group’s average up.

There are a few likely sources of error in this data. The experiment is meant to be
done in complete darkness, save only for the given light source, however, given the
control’s rate of photosynthesis, it is clear some light made it through. The
measurement methods also give room for error. We noted 6”, 12” and 18” distances
from the light source. Was this measured horizontally from the base of the lamp, or
diagonally, directly, from the light source? differences in these measurements likely
accounted for some error in the data.

Research by Enoch and Hurd shows that there is a positive correlation between
rate of photosynthesis and light intensity, which is supported by our findings (Enoch,
Hurd 1977). Research by Lingyang et al. also supports these conclusions, showing a
positive correlation as well (Lingyang et al. 2019).
 With these questions answered, some more arise. Does this positive correlation
have an upper limit? What about a 3 inch distance? What if the light source was
somehow inside the container? Does the heat from the light have an effect on the rate
of photosynthesis? These could all be tested in the same way our questions were.

References (in APA format):

1. H. Z. ENOCH, R. G. HURD. (1977). Effect of Light Intensity, Carbon Dioxide
Concentration, and Leaf Temperature on Gas Exchange of Spray Carnation Plants,
Journal of Experimental Botany, 28(1). Pages 84–95,
https://doi.org/10.1093/jxb/28.1.84 

2. Feng Lingyang, Raza Muhammad Ali, Li Zhongchuan, Chen Yuankai, Khalid

Muhammad Hayder Bin, Du Junbo, Liu Weiguo, Wu Xiaoling, Song Chun, Yu Liang,
Zhang Zhongwei, Yuan Shu, Yang Wenyu, Yang Feng. (2019). The Influence of Light
Intensity and Leaf Movement on Photosynthesis Characteristics and Carbon Balance of
Soybean. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.01952