Ingenhousz's Experiment, Proving that Photosynthesis is also a Producer of Oxygen
Ingenhousz’s Experiment, Proof that Photosynthesis is also a Producer of Oxygen? Lessons or research related to biology of course are very familiar and feel normal to do. This experiment is usually on the basis of teaching material or researching something.
For example, in high school, which usually conducts experiments not only once or twice, but quite a lot. The problems that are usually piloted have to do with many things including photosynthesis.
Everything that happens on earth is mostly influenced by sunlight. One example of a reaction that requires sunlight is photosynthesis.
This reaction occurs in plants, especially those that are green because they have chlorophyll, which is the most important substance in photosynthetic reactions.
Photosynthesis will occur when sunlight passes through the intermediate green pigment in the leaves, which will then produce their own food.
If described in simple terms, photosynthesis is a process of utilizing sunlight by green plants or bacteria to convert carbon dioxide gas and water into carbohydrates and oxygen.
There is an experiment that is often used as teaching material and practicum by students when sitting in high school, which is related to photosynthesis and oxygen.
The experiment was Ingenhousz’s experiment, which aimed to prove that photosynthesis produces oxygen.
There are at least two experiments related to photosynthesis in SMA. The first experiment was to prove that photosynthesis produces oxygen.
While the other experiment proved that photosynthesis occurs in leaves with starch as a result, this experiment is called the Sach experiment. A more complete explanation regarding this experiment can be seen and understood below.
About the Ingenhousz Experiment
An experiment conducted to examine the process of photosynthesis to prove that plants need sunlight and oxygen is one of the results, this is the meaning of Ingenhousz’s experiment.
The first person to study photosynthesis was Jan Ingenhousz, he also carried out this experiment. At first, Ingenhousz used an aquatic plant, namely Hydrilla verticillata, which was then put into a vessel filled with water.
The aquatic plant Hydrilla verticillata is a plant that is often found in aquariums.
How to do the experiment is quite easy, the aquatic plant was put into a vessel filled with water, then covered with a funnel.
This observation requires several other tools with several treatments in order to get valid results.
The result that needs to be observed from the Ingenhousz experiment is the presence or absence of bubbles produced at the end of the funnel. The presence of these bubbles is evidence of the presence of oxygen.
How to Perform the Ingenhousz . Experiment
Before conducting an experiment, we must first know the purpose of the experiment. The purpose of this experiment is to prove that photosynthesis produces oxygen and observe the factors that influence this experiment.
After knowing the purpose of this experiment, the next step is to prepare tools and materials, then how to experiment with something with the instructions provided.
Tools and materials needed in the Ingenhousz experiment, there are at least 10 materials. However, there will be an observation table that needs to be prepared to facilitate the process of securing it. Tools and materials needed include:
- Hydrilla vercitillata aquatic plant.
- Beaker glass size 100 ml
- Small glass funnel.
- Test tube.
- Thermometer.
- Small bucket.
- Ice.
- 40°C warm water.
- NaHCO3
- Wire.
After all the tools and materials are prepared, what needs to be done next is to follow each of the instructions from the steps.
Keep in mind that, step by step must be done in sequence in order to get maximum results. Here are the steps for how this experiment works:
- Assemble tools and materials in the form of beakers, funnel tubes, aquatic plants, and water. Aquatic plants are in the lowest position, above which a funnel is placed facing downwards. The glass is filled with water, but don’t leave any bubbles or cavities in it. Do this 5 times, because it takes 6 tubes.
- After 6 places were ready for the experiment, the next step was to give different treatments to the six tubes. However, the first to sixth tubes are placed in a place exposed to sunlight. The first tube, placed in a place exposed to direct sunlight. The second tube was given 5 grams of NaHCO3. The third tube, given as much as 10 grams of NaHCO3. The fourth tube, given ice cubes. The fifth tube, given the addition of hot water with a temperature of 40°C. The last tube is placed in the shade without being given special treatment.
- The last step, observe the changes that occur every 5 minutes from the six tubes.
The required table contains any treatment given to each tube. The presence of the number of bubbles was the main observation in Ingenhousz’s experiment. Be sure to enter the data into the table according to what is observed.
Ingenhousz . Experimental Analysis
The first analysis was carried out on the three variables. First, the independent variables include the administration of 5 grams of NaHCO3, 10 grams of NaHCO3, ice cubes, water at 40°C, and placement of the tube in a shady and bright place.
The second variable, the dependent variable which includes the difference in the number of bubbles from each treatment. The last variable, the control variable which is the first tube that is not given any treatment.
The result of the Ingengousz experiment which produced a lot of bubbles was a tube that was given 10 grams of NaHCO3. That’s because the source of carbon dioxide is there.
Meanwhile, those with few bubbles were tubes with added ice cubes and tubes placed in a shady place.
Tips and Tricks for Ingenhousz Experiments
A successful and valid experimental result is the hope of all those who carry out this experiment.
There are a few things you can do to get an experiment that produces bubbles, which is a sign that the experiment was successful. Things that need to be done include:
- Use lots of Hydrilla vercitillata samples to make lots of bubbles.
- Adding more NaHCO3 which is used as a source of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis.
- When not using direct sunlight, but using lights. At least use a 40 watt lamp and place it quite close to the vessel so that the required light intensity is sufficient.
Conclusion of Ingenhousz . Experiment
The conclusion that can be drawn from the Ingenhousz experiment is that oxygen which is the result of photosynthesis can be seen from the presence of bubbles in the vessel.
Ingenhousz’s experiments proved that photosynthesis does not require water, oxygen, light, chlorophyll and carbon dioxide.
The bubbles can be seen clearly through the glass wall of the vessel. There are also factors that affect the number of bubbles, namely light, carbon dioxide, and the temperature or temperature of the water.
This is an explanation of the Ingenhousz experiment that can be conveyed. Hopefully this discussion provides benefits and adds insight for all.
