Name
Period
Date
Introduction:
In this simulation, you will be measuring the production of oxygen as a plant photosynthesizes.
You will expose the plants to varying intensities and colors of light. Oxygen is measured in the
number of bubbles produced by the plant. This simulator addresses three factors that influence
the rate of photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide availability, light intensity, and light color can all be
adjusted in the simulator to determine how each of the factors affects the rate of
photosynthesis.
Site: http://www.biologycorner.com/flash/waterweed.html
Part 1: Affect of Light Color on the Rate of Photosynthesis
Directions: Set the simulator to 6.0 for the Light Level, and to 6.0 for the CO2 Level. Set the
speed to 5x and adjust the colors to complete the table below.
1. Based on the data, what color of light results in the fastest rate of
Light Color
Red
Blue
Green
Colorless
Number of Bubbles
photosynthesis? What do you think causes this result?
2. Create a BAR GRAPH that shows the relationship between light
color and the number of bubbles. Please make sure you have a
title and label the axes.
Title:
Part 2: Affect of Light Level on Photosynthesis
Directions: Set the simulator to colorless light and
CO2 level to 6.0. Make adjustments to the level of
light to complete the data table below. Make sure
your speed is set to 5x.
Light Level
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Number of Bubbles
3. Create a LINE GRAPH that shows the relationship between light level and the number of bubbles. Please make sure you
have a title and label the axes.
Title:
Conclusion and Analysis: (Use complete sentences.)
1. Based on the simulation experiments, what factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis in a plant? How do you know?
2. Write the equation for photosynthesis (use your notes).
3. What are the bubbles you are measuring in this lab? Explain how the bubbles tell you how fast photosynthesis is occurring?
4. Why is it important that you keep two variables constant (such as light level and color) while you're testing how a third variable
(CO2 Level) affects photosynthesis?
5. What settings can you set the simulator to in order to get the MAXIMUM rate of photosynthesis?