Which gas is removed from the atmosphere during photosynthesis?

• A. Methane (\(\mathrm{CH_4}\))
• B. Carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\))
• C. Oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\))
• D. Nitrogen (\(\mathrm{N_2}\))

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by recalling the process of photosynthesis, which is the method by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Step 2: Understand that during photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)) is absorbed from the atmosphere and used as a reactant in the Calvin cycle to produce glucose.
3. Step 3: Note that the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is: \(\mathrm{6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2}\). This shows that \(\mathrm{CO_2}\) is removed from the atmosphere.
4. Step 4: Eliminate other options by considering their roles: Methane (\(\mathrm{CH_4}\)) is not involved in photosynthesis, Oxygen (\(\mathrm{O_2}\)) is released as a byproduct, and Nitrogen (\(\mathrm{N_2}\)) is not directly involved in the process.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the gas removed from the atmosphere during photosynthesis is carbon dioxide (\(\mathrm{CO_2}\)).