Which process removes carbon from the atmosphere, demonstrating the Law of Conservation of Mass?

• A. Combustion
• B. Photosynthesis
• C. Decomposition
• D. Respiration

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the Law of Conservation of Mass, which states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. This means that the mass of the reactants equals the mass of the products.
2. Identify the processes listed: Combustion, Photosynthesis, Decomposition, and Respiration. Each of these processes involves chemical reactions that either release or absorb carbon.
3. Consider the process of Photosynthesis. In this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and use sunlight to convert it into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). This process effectively removes carbon from the atmosphere.
4. Write the balanced chemical equation for Photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This equation shows that carbon dioxide is used as a reactant, thus removing carbon from the atmosphere.
5. Conclude that Photosynthesis is the process that demonstrates the Law of Conservation of Mass by removing carbon from the atmosphere, as the mass of carbon in the reactants (CO₂) is conserved in the products (C₆H₁₂O₆).