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How Does the Wavelength of Light Affect the Rate of Photosynthesis?

CSEF · 2006 Plant Biology

Collette K. Hamamah · Chamlian (Vahan & Anoush) Armenian School, Glendale

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of this experiment is to determine how the wavelength of light affects photosynthesis. My independent variable is the wavelength of light in nanometers (nms). My dependant variable is the amount of Oxygen produced in milliliters (mLs). I hypothesized that the rate of photosynthesis would be higher in the red (600-700 nm) and blue (400-500 nm) lights and lower in the green (500-575 nm) light. Methods/Materials Halogen light and 3 filters were used to obtain the desired wavelengths. Elodea in 3% NaHCO3 solution was exposed to blue, green, and red lights for 12 hours and the produced Oxygen was measured. Results After adjusting for the intensity of different wavelengths in the Halogen light, Oxygen production using the 400-500 nms filter was 0.42 mLs; 500-575 nms filter was 0.24 mLs; 600-700 nms filter was 0.73 mLs. Conclusions/Discussion The rate of photosynthesis was higher in the red and blue lights and lower in the green light. The findings supported my hypothesis.

Summary statement

I tested the affect of different wavelengths of light on the rate of photosynthesis by exposing the same weight of Elodea immersed in sodium bicarbonate solution to three wavelength ranges and measured oxygen production over twelve hours.

Help received

My parents and science teacher helped me obtain material and setup for my experiment.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2006 Plant Biology · Entry J1610

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