Suppose that three samples of water are prepared as described: addition of carbon dioxide, addition of oxygen, and degassed to remove all gases. Three identical Elodea plants are placed in each of these water samples. How will the rate of bubble formation compare in the three samples?
Elodea uses photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and carbohydrate
the most bubbles should be in the carbon dioxide enhanced sample
the degassed sample should have no bubbles
the oxygen enhanced sample should be somewhere in between
In order to determine how the rate of bubble formation will compare in the three water samples, we need to understand the process of bubble formation in Elodea plants.
Elodea is an aquatic plant that undergoes photosynthesis, which involves taking in carbon dioxide (CO2) and releasing oxygen (O2) as a byproduct. The rate of bubble formation is directly related to the photosynthetic activity of the plant.
Given that three samples of water are prepared differently—one with added carbon dioxide, one with added oxygen, and one degassed to remove all gases—we can make some predictions:
1. Sample with added carbon dioxide: The Elodea plants in this sample will have a higher rate of bubble formation compared to the others. This is because the plants will have ample carbon dioxide available for photosynthesis, resulting in increased oxygen production and, subsequently, more bubble formation.
2. Sample with added oxygen: In this sample, the Elodea plants will have less bubble formation compared to the sample with added carbon dioxide. While they will have sufficient oxygen for respiration, oxygen alone is not a limiting factor for photosynthesis. Without an adequate supply of carbon dioxide, photosynthesis will not occur at its maximum capacity, leading to a lower rate of bubble formation.
3. Sample degassed to remove all gases: In this particular sample, the Elodea plants will have the lowest rate of bubble formation. By removing all gases, including carbon dioxide and oxygen, from the water, the plants lack the necessary substances to photosynthesize effectively. Without carbon dioxide, the plants cannot produce oxygen, resulting in minimal bubble formation.
To summarize, the rate of bubble formation will be highest in the sample with added carbon dioxide, followed by the sample with added oxygen, and lowest in the degassed sample.