Photosynthesis Exam-Style Questions

Two pupils wanted to investigate the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis. They
set up the investigation as shown below.

The results of the investigation were recorded as follows:

Distance between pondweed and light Number of bubbles produced per

source (cm) minute

10 20

20 12

30 7

40 3

50 0

1. Use this data to plot a graph to show the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.

2. In the experiment, identify the:

• independent variable 

• dependent variable 

• control variable(s) 

3. Using the graph you have drawn, describe the effect of light intensity on the rate of
photosynthesis.