NECO 2008 Chemistry · Question 25

The gas in air used by plants for photosynthesis is

Options

  1. A.Argon
  2. B.Carbon (IV) oxide
  3. C.Nitrogen
  4. D.Oxygen
  5. E.Water vapour.

Answer: B. Carbon (IV) oxide

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which gas in air plants take in and use for photosynthesis.

Step 2: The concept Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants make food (glucose) using light energy absorbed by chlorophyll.

Word equation: Carbon (IV) oxide + Water → (sunlight, chlorophyll) → Glucose + Oxygen

Chemical equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Step 3: Check each option

  • A. Argon: a noble gas that is inert, so plants do not use it.
  • B. Carbon (IV) oxide: this is a raw material of photosynthesis. Plants absorb it from the air through their stomata. ✔
  • C. Nitrogen: it makes up about 78% of air, but plants cannot use it directly. Bacteria must first convert it into nitrates (nitrogen fixation).
  • D. Oxygen: this is a product of photosynthesis, not what the plant uses for it. Plants use oxygen in respiration.
  • E. Water vapour: plants get the water for photosynthesis from the soil through their roots, not from the air.

Step 4: Answer The gas in air used by plants for photosynthesis is Carbon (IV) oxide, which is option B.

Tip: Remember that photosynthesis takes in CO₂ and gives out O₂, while respiration does the opposite. In exams, if the question says "used by plants for photosynthesis," think CO₂. If it says "released," think O₂.

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