Observe: The color of a light wave is determined by its wavelength. On the COLOR tab, slowly drag the Light wavelength slider back and forth and observe the effect on oxygen production. How does the color of light affect the rate of photosynthesis? Form hypothesis: Which color of light do you think will maximize the rate of photosynthesis?
Gather data: Set the Light wavelength to 400 nm. (The symbol “nm” stands for nanometers. A nanometer is a billionth of a meter.) Visible light ranges from 400 to 700 nm.
On the TABLE tab, click Record data. Then set the Light wavelength to 420 nm, and repeat. Continue recording data in the Gizmo every 20 nm until the wavelength is 700 nm.
Which colors were absorbed best by the plant?
Which colors were absorbed the worst?