Photosynthesis Lab Report
It was hypothesised that as the concentration of NaHCO3 solution increases, as will the rate of photosynthesis until optimal levels are reached, then plateauing of results will occur. The hypothesis was refuted by evidence shown in the results (table two) as 0.5% concentration produced the greatest rate of photosynthesis, 3.10x10-3. Concentrations of 5% and 10% were deemed unusable as the agapanthus discs would not submerge, therefore the results did not enable a range of data.
The results of the data indicate that 0.5% NaHCO3 is optimal in determining the rate of photosynthesis, 3.10x10-3. This shows that O2 (oxygen) will be more readily produced, thus causing the discs to merge to the top of the solution, as well as energy in the form of C6H12O6 (glucose) being produced. The products from photosynthesis, specifically C6H12O6, start the food web for heterotrophs and consumers, as they rely …show more content…
If the equipment is incorrectly manufactured it will have an effect on the data, changing the results. Possible systematic errors include:
• Buchner funnel:
A Buchner funnel was used to deoxygenate all agapanthus discs once they had been pre-cut. Therefore, it is trusted that this piece of equipment will completely deoxygenate the leaves, enabling them to submerge in the solution. By the discs submerging in the solution, it allows the production of oxygen to be properly analysed, as this is the reasoning behind the discs rising.
• Overhead projector:
As light intensity increases, the rate of light-dependent reaction, and therefore photosynthesis increases proportionally. However, at very high intensities, chlorophyll may be damaged and drop the rate of photosynthesis rapidly (Langdon, 2012). Therefore, light intensity is vital towards this experiment and it is trusted that the projector is properly calibrated to distribute light evenly across the surface.
• Thickness of agapanthus
The results of the data indicate that 0.5% NaHCO3 is optimal in determining the rate of photosynthesis, 3.10x10-3. This shows that O2 (oxygen) will be more readily produced, thus causing the discs to merge to the top of the solution, as well as energy in the form of C6H12O6 (glucose) being produced. The products from photosynthesis, specifically C6H12O6, start the food web for heterotrophs and consumers, as they rely …show more content…
If the equipment is incorrectly manufactured it will have an effect on the data, changing the results. Possible systematic errors include:
• Buchner funnel:
A Buchner funnel was used to deoxygenate all agapanthus discs once they had been pre-cut. Therefore, it is trusted that this piece of equipment will completely deoxygenate the leaves, enabling them to submerge in the solution. By the discs submerging in the solution, it allows the production of oxygen to be properly analysed, as this is the reasoning behind the discs rising.
• Overhead projector:
As light intensity increases, the rate of light-dependent reaction, and therefore photosynthesis increases proportionally. However, at very high intensities, chlorophyll may be damaged and drop the rate of photosynthesis rapidly (Langdon, 2012). Therefore, light intensity is vital towards this experiment and it is trusted that the projector is properly calibrated to distribute light evenly across the surface.
• Thickness of agapanthus