Question

Ingenhousz in an experiment showed that in bright sunlight, small bubbles were formed around the green parts of the plant, while in the dark, they did not. He identified these bubbles to be of (a) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) (b) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (c) \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) (d) \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\).

Short answer

The bubbles identified by Ingenhousz in the experiment were \text{O}_2 (oxygen).

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the Experiment's Concept

The experiment done by Ingenhousz relates to the process of photosynthesis - a process in which green plants use sunlight to make food from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen in the process.

Analyzing the Observation of Bubbles

In bright sunlight, the observation of bubbles around the green parts indicates a gas being released during photosynthesis. Since the bubbles are not present in the dark when photosynthesis cannot occur, the gas must be a product of the photosynthesis process.

Deducing the Gas Based on Photosynthesis

Considering the photosynthesis equation: \(6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2\), the only gaseous byproduct is oxygen (\text{O}_2). Therefore, the bubbles observed by Ingenhousz should be oxygen.

Key concepts

Ingenhousz Experiment

The Ingenhousz experiment is a fundamental piece of scientific history that has greatly contributed to our understanding of plant biology and the photosynthesis process. Jan Ingenhousz, a Dutch-born British physician and scientist, conducted experiments in the 1770s that shed light on the role of plants in oxygen production. These experiments were pivotal in the understanding of how plants interact with their environment.

In his experiment, Ingenhousz placed submerged plants in sunlight and observed small bubbles forming around the green parts, which he rightly postulated to be oxygen. The absence of bubbles in darkness indicated that light was necessary for this gas production. Ingenhousz's experiment affirmed the idea that plants give off oxygen when exposed to sunlight, influencing further research into the stages of photosynthesis and how plants contribute to the atmospheric balance.

Oxygen Production in Plants

Plants are remarkable oxygen factories which play an essential role in sustaining life on Earth. Through the process of photosynthesis, green plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen as a byproduct. The oxygen we breathe, therefore, is largely generated by the countless green plant species that blanket our planet.

Understanding the oxygen production in plants is vital for a wide range of scientific fields. This knowledge helps us appreciate the environmental impact of forests and the importance of plant conservation in combating climate change. Additionally, the study of oxygen release by plants informs agricultural practices and can contribute to the development of biofuels and other sustainable energy sources. The production of oxygen is a critical ecological service provided by plants, indispensable for the survival of most life forms on Earth.

Photosynthesis Process

Photosynthesis is a complex chemical process through which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. Using chlorophyll, the green pigment in their leaves, they capture sunlight and initiate a series of reactions. Water absorbed by the roots and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere are transformed into glucose, a sugar that serves as food for the plant. Oxygen is released as a waste product of this biochemical reaction.

The simplified chemical equation for photosynthesis is: \[6\text{CO}_2 + 6\text{H}_2\text{O} + light~energy \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + 6\text{O}_2.\]This equation encapsulates the conversion of water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen, with light energy being the driving force behind the conversion. Photosynthesis is central to life on Earth, providing food for plants themselves and, indirectly, for animals that feed on plants. Moreover, the process supports the Earth's atmosphere by replenishing oxygen levels, which are essential for aerobic respiration in animals and humans.