How does changing light intensity

effect the rate of photosynthesis

George V.K
Aim

To find out if changing light intensity will effect the rate of photosynthesis
Procedure
Use a cork borer or paper hole punch to cut out discs from a fresh, healthy leaf such as spinach, avoiding any veins The leaves contain air
spaces.These cause the leaf discs to float when they are placed in water.

At the start of the experiment, the air needs to be removed from the discs. To do this place about 10 discs into a large (10 cm3) syringe and
tap it so the discs fall to the bottom (opposite the plunger end).

Place one finger over the hole at the end of the syringe barrel. Fill the barrel with water, then replace the plunger.

Turn the syringe so the needle end is facing up and release your finger. Gently push the plunger into the barrel of the syringe to force out
any air from above the water.

Now replace your finger over the syringe hole and withdraw the plunger to create a vacuum.

Keep the plunger withdrawn for about 10 seconds. This sucks out all the air from the leaf discs. They should then sink to the bottom.
Release the plunger.

Repeat the procedure if the discs do not all sink.

Remove the discs from the syringe and place them in a beaker, containing water, with a spatula of sodium hydrogencarbonate dissolved in it.

Start a stopwatch and record the time taken for each of the discs to float to the surface. Ignore those that did not sink. Calculate an average
time for the discs to float.

Repeat the method, varying the light intensity the discs are exposed to in the beaker
Result

The greater the light intensity, the quicker the leaf discs float to the surface.
Interpretation

As the leaf discs photosynthesis they produce oxygen, which is released into the
air spaces in the disc. The oxygen makes the discs more buoyant, so as the
oxygen accumulates, they float to the surface of the water. As light intensity
increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases
Thank you