The Purpose Of This Project Is To Research A Chemistry Topic ✓ Solved
The purpose of this project is to research a chemistry topic
The purpose of this project is to research a chemistry topic and write a four-page minimum, college-level paper. The research paper must be four (4) pages minimum and no more than six (6) pages. The requirements are as follows:
- The paper must be formatted in APA style and include the following:
- Cover page (Not included in the page count, APA style)
- Pagination (page numbering, APA style)
- Running header (APA style)
- 12-Point Times Roman, double spaced
- Introduction with at least 4 main discussion points
- At least 2 solid paragraphs for each discussion point noted in the introduction
- Conclusion and summary of what you learned
- Reference section
- References must be cited in-text and in the reference section, per APA.
- No more than one quotation per reference allowed.
This should be your thoughts and words, not another person’s. Pictures, diagrams, or charts cannot take up more than 2 pages. Full-page images, diagrams, charts, tables, or other visuals are not considered part of the page count. Pictures and diagrams must be labeled (Table 1, Graph 1, etc., per APA style). Articles must be PEER REVIEWED and properly cited. Nothing “Wiki-“ is acceptable!
Use a minimum of three (3) peer-reviewed sources. You are encouraged to come up with your own topic…something involving chemistry that you would be interested in knowing more about. ALL topics must be approved by your instructor before you begin writing. You need to be able to discuss the CHEMISTRY of your subject based on your knowledge and understanding of the subject. NO TWO PEOPLE MAY RESEARCH THE SAME TOPIC.
Topics will be approved and registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Date and time stamps on emails and messages will determine you claimed a topic first. Topics must be approved by the class meeting scheduled for Library Research.
Mr. Russell Grooms, Woodbridge Librarian, will be our guest speaker. He will guide you through the expectations for writing a college-level science paper and teach you how to use our library resources. If you are having trouble finding a suitable topic, suggestions can be found on page two of this document. Some of these topics may be difficult to come up with four pages of discussion.
Choose wisely if you use this list. Since many areas of chemistry spill over into other sciences, it is acceptable that your topic may include concepts from biochemistry, physical chemistry, nuclear chemistry, etc. Remember: the key word is CHEMISTRY.
How do you get started?
- Choose a topic and get it approved.
- Find and read articles written by experts in the field on your chosen subject.
- Take notes about the facts and interesting concepts that you discover.
- Create an outline to get your thoughts collected and organized.
- Use the outline to create your research paper.
Possible General Research Topics include the Chemistry of Pollution, Chemistry of Acid Rain, Chemistry of Alternative Energy Sources, and many others. Each chosen topic should be discussed with a focus on its chemical principles and applications.
Paper For Above Instructions
Chemistry plays a crucial role in our daily lives, influencing various facets such as health, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements. This paper will delve into the Chemistry of Photosynthesis, exploring its fundamental mechanisms, significance, and broader applications. The exploration is structured around four main discussion points: the chemical process of photosynthesis, the role of chlorophyll, the impact of environmental factors, and the significance of photosynthesis in ecological and energy contexts.
1. The Chemical Process of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, stored as glucose. This phenomenon primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and can be summarized by the general equation:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O → 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy.
The process can be divided into two major stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin Cycle (or light-independent reactions). During the light-dependent reactions, sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll and converted into ATP and NADPH while water molecules split to release oxygen. The Calvin Cycle utilizes ATP and NADPH to fix carbon dioxide into organic molecules such as glucose, which serves as an energy source for the plant (Taiz & Zaiger, 2018).
2. Role of Chlorophyll in Photosynthesis
Chlorophyll, the green pigment present in plants, is vital for photosynthesis as it absorbs sunlight most efficiently. It primarily absorbs light in the blue-violet and red spectrum while reflecting green light, which accounts for the green appearance of plants. Chlorophyll is involved in the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy and is essential in driving the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Recent studies show that variations in chlorophyll concentration can significantly affect the efficiency of photosynthesis, highlighting its crucial role in plant health and productivity (Sestak, 2019).
3. Impact of Environmental Factors
Several environmental factors influence the rate of photosynthesis, including light intensity, CO2 concentration, and temperature. Increased light intensity generally enhances the rate of photosynthesis up to a certain point, after which it can plateau or decline due to stress on the plant. Additionally, carbon dioxide concentration directly impacts the efficiency of the Calvin Cycle. Temperature also plays a pivotal role; each species of plant has an optimal temperature range for photosynthesis, and deviations can diminish photosynthetic activity (Larcher, 2003).
4. Significance of Photosynthesis
Understanding photosynthesis is not only crucial for botany but also holds profound implications in categories like agriculture, climate science, and energy production. It is the foundation of the food chain, providing essential nutrients for consumers and decomposers, thereby sustaining ecosystems. Furthermore, the study of photosynthesis can lead to innovations in bioenergy, such as the development of biofuels derived from crops or algae, contributing to sustainable energy sources (Long et al., 2015).
In conclusion, photosynthesis is a complex chemical process fundamental to life on Earth. Its understanding leads to insights into ecological sustainability, energy production, and agricultural productivity. Future research and exploration into enhancing photosynthetic efficiency may play a significant role in addressing global food security and energy challenges.
References
- Larcher, W. (2003). Physiological Plant Ecology. Springer.
- Long, S. P., Ainsworth, E. A., Rogers, A., & Ort, D. R. (2015). Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide: The new photosynthesis for the 21st century? Annual Review of Plant Biology, 66, 1-23.
- Taiz, L., & Zaiger, E. (2018). Plant Physiology. Sinauer Associates.
- Sestak, Z. (2019). The role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis Research
- Osmond, C. B., & Stitt, M. (1988). Photosynthesis: A Comprehensive Treatise. Cambridge University Press.
- Farquhar, G. D., von Caemmerer, S., & Berry, J. A. (1980). A biochemical model of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in leaves of C3 species. Planta, 149(1), 78-90.
- Houghton, R. A. (2007). Balancing the carbon cycle. Environmental Science & Policy, 10(4), 325-335.
- Reich, P. B., & Oleksyn, J. (2004). Global patterns of plant root:shoot ratios in terrestrial ecosystems. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 13(4), 327-339.
- Wang, Y., & Chen, Y. L. (2014). The pathway of photosynthesis uncovering the responses of forest plants to climate change. Global Change Biology, 20(3), 1347-1358.
- Vogel, G. (2011). Chlorophyll and photosynthesis: How plants capture energy. Science, 332(6031), 469-470.