Which process is primarily responsible for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere according to the Law of Conservation of Mass?

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

Answer: (C)

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 amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere must be accounted for in the process.
2. Identify the processes listed: Respiration, Combustion, Photosynthesis, and Evaporation. Consider how each process interacts with carbon dioxide.
3. Respiration and Combustion both release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, so they do not remove it.
4. Evaporation is a physical process involving the transition of water from liquid to gas, which does not involve carbon dioxide removal.
5. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. This process removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, aligning with the Law of Conservation of Mass.