Joseph Priestley's experiments led to several important discoveries related to gases, particularly oxygen and its role in combustion and respiration. From the choices given, here are the relevant conclusions that can be derived from his work:
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A flame requires oxygen - This is supported by Priestley's experiments, where he demonstrated that a candle would extinguish in a closed container without enough air, showing that oxygen is necessary for combustion.
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Photosynthesis absorbs oxygen from the environment - This statement is not accurate. Photosynthesis does not absorb oxygen; instead, it produces oxygen as a byproduct while absorbing carbon dioxide.
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The process of photosynthesis releases oxygen into the environment - This conclusion is indeed supported by Priestley's findings. He observed that plants release oxygen in the presence of light, particularly in his experiment with a sprig of mint placed in a jar.
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Carbon dioxide is essential to life - While Priestley contributed to the understanding of gases related to life processes, the direct assertion that "carbon dioxide is essential to life" is more associated with later discoveries relating to photosynthesis and respiration rather than Priestley's specific experiments.
So, the choices that can be proven by Priestley's experiments are:
- A flame requires oxygen
- The process of photosynthesis releases oxygen into the environment
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