Chemical Energy in Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis :

7.5A Recognize that radiant energy from the Sun is transformed into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis

7.7A Illustrate the transformation of energy within an organism such as the transfer from chemical energy to thermal energy

Essential Question:

How do different organisms obtain and use energy to survive in their environment? Compare.

What is Photosynthesis?

The word photosynthesis can be broken down to its Greek origin:

synthesis: put together to form something new;

photo: light.

photosynthesis means: put together to form something new from light.

This amazing process of forming something new from light, photosynthesis, is what sustains life on Earth.The most important aspect of photosynthesis is that radiant energy (from the Sun) transforms to chemical energy.

The chemical energy is stored in the plant as sugar and is available as food. The leaves of plants contain everything needed to absorb the rays of the Sun and start photosynthesis. This interaction between (the reactants) radiant energy from the Sun and matter (carbon dioxide and water) causes a chemical reaction with the result /(the products) of the formation of different matter (sugar and oxygen). The radiant energy absorbed by the plant is transformed during the process of photosynthesis and is stored within the newly formed sugar as chemical energy in the plant. Fortunately for us, oxygen is also released to the atmosphere during this process.

How a plant actually accomplishes this transformation is still a mystery as scientists are not able to recreate the natural process of photosynthesis using man made materials. Photosynthesis is understood, can be measured, and can be easily represented using models.

Multiple Choice

In a chemical reaction, bonds are broken and new bonds are formed that create new substances. The bonds that are broken are called what?

• Reactants
• Products
• Atoms
• Catalysts

Multiple Choice

___________________ are the elements are compounds that leave (are formed in) a chemical
reaction.

• Polymers
• Bonds
• Reactants
• Products

Multiple Choice

How do leaves help plants?

• They help hold the plant up.
• They take in water from the soil.
• They help make food through photosynthesis.
• They help make seeds.

Multiple Choice

What gas does the process of photosynthesis release into the atmosphere?

• oxygen

• carbon dioxide

• water

• nitrogen

Multiple Choice

What gas does the process of photosynthesis release into the atmosphere?

• oxygen

• carbon dioxide

• water

• nitrogen