What happens during photosynthesis? - OCR 21st CenturyEffect of light intensity on photosynthesis

Plants make their own food using photosynthesis. The food is important for the plants and for organisms that feed on the plants. Optimum rates of photosynthesis produce maximum plant yields.

Part ofBiology (Single Science)Living together - Food and ecosystems

Scientific calculations - effect of light intensity on photosynthesis

The table shows a set of results obtained by students investigating the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis. They varied the distance of the plant from the light source.

Distance from light source (cm)Rate of photosynthesis (bubble per min)
10120
1554
2030
2517
3013
Distance from light source (cm)10
Rate of photosynthesis (bubble per min)120
Distance from light source (cm)15
Rate of photosynthesis (bubble per min)54
Distance from light source (cm)20
Rate of photosynthesis (bubble per min)30
Distance from light source (cm)25
Rate of photosynthesis (bubble per min)17
Distance from light source (cm)30
Rate of photosynthesis (bubble per min)13

If we draw a graph of this data:

A graph showing the number of bubbles produced per minute.

Note that this graph is a curve.

Question

From the graph, suggest the rate of oxygen production when the light source is at 18 cm.