Describe4 marksStandard
A student investigated the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis in an aquatic plant (Elodea). The plant was placed in a beaker of water at 20°C with excess carbon dioxide (by adding sodium hydrogencarbonate). The number of bubbles released per minute was counted at different distances from a lamp (light intensity expressed in arbitrary units). The results are shown in the table.
| Light intensity (arbitrary units) | Bubbles per minute |
|---|---|
| 10 | 5 |
| 20 | 10 |
| 40 | 20 |
| 60 | 30 |
| 80 | 38 |
| 100 | 40 |
| 120 | 40 |
| 140 | 40 |
Describe the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis as shown in the data. Explain your answer with reference to limiting factors.