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

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

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the Law of Conservation of Mass: This law states that mass is neither created nor destroyed in a chemical reaction. Therefore, the mass of the reactants must equal the mass of the products.
2. Identify the processes listed: Decomposition, Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Combustion. Each of these processes involves chemical reactions that either release or absorb carbon dioxide.
3. Analyze Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy. During this process, carbon dioxide ( ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ ) is absorbed from the atmosphere and used to produce glucose ( $C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$ ) and oxygen ( $O_2$ ).
4. Consider the role of Photosynthesis in the Law of Conservation of Mass: During photosynthesis, the carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere is transformed into glucose and oxygen, demonstrating the conservation of mass as the atoms are rearranged but not lost.
5. Conclude why Photosynthesis is the correct answer: Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into other substances, illustrating the Law of Conservation of Mass by showing that the total mass of reactants (carbon dioxide and water) equals the total mass of products (glucose and oxygen).