How Does the Amount of Carbon Dioxide Affect Temperature and Photosynthesis in Plants?

Overview

Objectives/Goals My goal was to find how carbon dioxide affected temperature and if plants could solve the problem of global warming. Methods/Materials Increasing amounts of carbon dioxide were made in a one gallon plastic water bottle by mixing varying quantities of baking soda and vinegar. The temperature was recorded in a connected bottle using a thermometer. The thermometer bottle had a 60 watt light behind it and temperatures were recorded at five minute intervals over 25 minutes. A similar experiment was set up including a destarched geranium plant in the thermometer bottle with a 25 watt light behind it. Temperatures were recorded over two days and the plant was tested using iodine solution for evidence of photosynthesis with increasing amounts of carbon dioxide added. Results As the carbon dioxide was increased, the cumulative temperature change also increased. Atmospheric carbon dioxide increased 16 degrees Fahrenheit over 25 minutes with increases ranging up to 27 degrees Fahrenheit when the largest carbon dioxide quantity was used. In the plant experiment, the total temperature increase was on average three degrees Fahrenheit less when carbon dioxide was added than when atmospheric carbon dioxide was used. All plants tested positive for evidence of photosynthesis. Conclusions/Discussion When increasing the amount of carbon dioxide, it causes temperature to increase in the atmosphere. Increasing carbon dioxide allows plants to photosynthesize and reduce temperature.

Competition history

• CSEF 2010 Environmental Science (Junior Division Only) · Entry J1299

Resources

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