Question

photosynthesis in action
a student designs an experiment to study photosynthesis in a hydrilla plant. the student places the plant in a beaker filled with pond water and trapped inside a funnel. the students collect data after two hours. figure 1 shows a diagram of the experiment.
figure 1. experiment diagram
table 1 shows the results of the experiment.
with reference to table 2, which statement best describes the effect of adding sodium bicarbonate to the pond water on photosynthesis?
the rate of photosynthesis increases, resulting in a decrease in oxygen production.
the rate of photosynthesis decreases, resulting in a decrease in oxygen production.
the rate of photosynthesis increases, resulting in an increase in oxygen production.
the rate of photosynthesis decreases, resulting in an increase in oxygen production.

Explanation:

Sodium bicarbonate provides an additional source of carbon - dioxide for the hydrilla plant. Since carbon - dioxide is a reactant in photosynthesis, an increase in its availability will enhance the rate of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis produces oxygen as a by - product. So, an increase in the rate of photosynthesis will lead to an increase in oxygen production.

Answer:

The rate of photosynthesis increases, resulting in an increase in oxygen production.