Questions: cm) released A 25 42 B 50 21 C 75 10 D 100 1 Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the results of the experiment? Choose 1 answer: (A) Light intensity does not affect the rate of photosynthesis. (B) A decrease in light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis. (C) An increase in light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis. (D) An increase in light intensity decreases the rate of photosynthesis.

The answer is (C): An increase in light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis.

Explanation for each option:

(A) Light intensity does not affect the rate of photosynthesis.

• This option is incorrect because the data in the table shows a clear relationship between light intensity and the rate of photosynthesis. As the light intensity increases (from 25 cm to 100 cm), the amount of oxygen released decreases, indicating that light intensity does have an effect.

(B) A decrease in light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis.

• This option is incorrect because the data shows the opposite trend. As light intensity decreases (from 25 cm to 100 cm), the amount of oxygen released also decreases, indicating that the rate of photosynthesis decreases with lower light intensity.

(C) An increase in light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis.

• This option is correct. The data shows that at the highest light intensity (25 cm), the rate of photosynthesis is highest (42 units of oxygen released). As light intensity decreases, the rate of photosynthesis decreases, supporting the conclusion that increased light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis.

(D) An increase in light intensity decreases the rate of photosynthesis.

• This option is incorrect because the data shows that as light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases, as evidenced by the higher oxygen release at higher light intensities.

In summary, the data supports the conclusion that an increase in light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis.