Name: _______________________________________________
Photosynthesis Virtual Lab
Go to: http://amrita.olabs.edu.in/?sub=79&brch=16&sim=126&cnt=4
(or search for OLABS Photosynthesis simulator)
Introduction: During the process of photosynthesis, oxygen is released.
The release of oxygen can be visibly observed in aquatic plants as bubbles.
Counting the number of bubbles released over a period of time can serve as
a measurement of the rate of photosynthesis.
There are factors that can increase the rate of photosynthesis in plants. This
simulation will explore those factors.
Procedure: You will change the variables and record the number of bubbles released in a minute. Use the
clock and the start / stop buttons.
Experiment 1: How Does Changing the Light Intensity and Distance Affect Photosynthesis?
1. Make a prediction about what you think will happen: As you increase the light intensity, the number of
bubbles will ___increase because photosynthesis increases__
2. Start with the 40W power source and observe one minute. Leave the distance at 50 cm for each trial in this
section. Reset and switch to 100W. Record data in the Data table.
3. Reset the simulation and test how changing the distance from the light will affect the rate of photosynthesis.
4. Prediction: As you increase the distance of the light, the number of bubbles will __decrease___
Light Intensity (at 50 cm) Light Distance (100 W bulbs)
100w
Number of Bubbles (1
Min)
64
50 cm
3: 40W
6: 100W
100 cm
2: 40W
4f: 100W
40w
32
5. Summarize the results and provide an explanation or reasoning for what was observed. How does light
intensity and distance affect the rate of photosynthesis? How do you know?
Bubble formation occurs quicker because of light intensity and distance. Low distance and
the increasement of light can cause bubble formation to happen quicker. Therefore light
holds the power for photosynthesis to occur faster.
6. In this experiment, the independent (manipulated) variable is the __light___ a) light b) number of bubbles
dependent (responding) variable the ___number of bubbles__ a) light b) number of bubbles
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Experiment 2: How Does the Color Of Light Affect Photosynthesis
7. Reset the simulation and run the tests for the different colors of light. Use 100W bulbs at a distance of 50
cm.
Clear
Number of Bubbles (1 Min)
6
Red
12
Green
6
Blue
15
The graph below shows how chlorophyll absorbs light. Examine the graph to help you understand the results
of your experiment.
8. Summarize the results and provide an explanation or reasoning for what was observed. How does light
color affect the rate of photosynthesis? Why does the color of light matter?
Light has a large impact on the effect of photosynthesis.The higher the spectrum of light is
the faster photosynthesis will take place. Color of light matters because energy is a great
amount at all those colors besides green. Colors like red and purple have a huge impact on
the plant while green has no impact because chlorophyll reflects green light.
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