The effect of light on water uptake by a plant: practical
I can use a simple potometer to investigate the effect of light on water uptake by a plant.
- Year 11
- AQA
The effect of light on water uptake by a plant: practical
I can use a simple potometer to investigate the effect of light on water uptake by a plant.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Practical demonstration of the use of a simple potometer to measure water uptake by a leafy shoot.
- Use of a light source to vary light intensity.
- Use of appropriate apparatus to control temperature (e.g. a water tank as a heat shield between light and plant).
- Use of a simple potometer to measure water uptake by a plant at a range of light intensities.
- Rate of water uptake = change in volume of water ÷ time taken for volume to change
Keywords
Transpiration - the loss of water from a plant’s leaves
Potometer - a piece of equipment used to measure the rate of water uptake by a plant
Control - a variable which is kept constant between all experiments
Light intensity - the amount of light reaching a given area in a given time
Rate - a measure of how much change occurs per unit of time
Common misconception
Being able to explain the set up of a potometer is difficult because it has so many stages that are tricky.
The stages of setting up a potometer are broken down into four parts, checked for understanding, reinforced with a lab demonstration video and concluded with a cartoon task.
Equipment
Optional: potometer, leafy shoot, clamps, clamp stand, large beaker, tripod, gauze, lamp, metre rule, timer.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do plants need to perform photosynthesis?
Q2.Which part of the plant is primarily responsible for water absorption?
Q3.What is the function of stomata in leaves?
Q4.What is transpiration?
Q5.What is the transportation stream?
Q6.How do you calculate the rate of a process?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does a potometer measure?
Q2.How does light intensity affect the rate of water uptake in plants?
Q3.What is the formula to calculate the rate of water uptake?
Q4.Why is a beaker of water used in this experiment?
