Question

During preparation, baking soda ( NaHCO3
) is added to the water to create a solution. Which of the options below is the best reason why baking soda was added?

(1 point)
Responses

To keep the elodea plant from decaying
To keep the elodea plant from decaying

To add carbon dioxide to the solution that the plant needs as a reactant of photosynthesis
To add carbon dioxide to the solution that the plant needs as a reactant of photosynthesis

To keep the water from changing into another color
To keep the water from changing into another color

To add oxygen to the solution that the plant needs as a reactant of photosynthesis

Answer 1

To add carbon dioxide to the solution that the plant needs as a reactant of photosynthesis.

Sodium bicarbonate dissolves to give bicarbonate/CO2, increasing available inorganic carbon so photosynthesis (and oxygen bubble production) is not limited.