Question

study the equation for photosynthesis.
\\(6\ce{co2} + 6\ce{h2o} \xrightarrow\text{chlorophyll}{\text{light energy}} \ce{c6h12o6} + 6\ce{o2}\\)

a scientist notices an increase in the glucose production in the plants he is studying. what are the possible reasons? check all that apply.
\\(\square\\) the plant was exposed to more intense light
\\(\square\\) the plant was exposed to less intense light
\\(\square\\) the plant absorbed more carbon dioxide
\\(\square\\) the plant absorbed less carbon dioxide
\\(\square\\) the plant absorbed more oxygen
\\(\square\\) the plant absorbed less oxygen

Explanation:

To determine the reasons for increased glucose production (photosynthesis), we analyze each option:

1. "The plant was exposed to more intense light": Light is a reactant in photosynthesis (see the equation \(6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow[\text{Chlorophyll}]{\text{Light energy}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2\)). More intense light provides more energy, increasing photosynthesis and glucose production.
2. "The plant absorbed more carbon dioxide": \(\text{CO}_2\) is a reactant. More \(\text{CO}_2\) (a key input) increases the rate of photosynthesis, leading to more glucose.
3. "The plant absorbed less oxygen": Oxygen is a product of photosynthesis (not a reactant). Lower oxygen absorption does not directly increase glucose production (photosynthesis produces oxygen, so less absorption of a product does not drive the reaction forward).
4. "The plant was exposed to less intense light": Less light energy would decrease photosynthesis, reducing glucose production. Eliminate this.
5. "The plant absorbed less carbon dioxide": Less \(\text{CO}_2\) (a reactant) would decrease photosynthesis, reducing glucose production. Eliminate this.
6. "The plant absorbed more oxygen": Oxygen is a product, so absorbing more (a product) does not increase the reaction (Le Chatelier’s principle: adding a product would shift the reaction backward). Eliminate this.

Answer:

• The plant was exposed to more intense light
• The plant absorbed more carbon dioxide