Which process is primarily responsible for removing CO2 from the atmosphere according to the Law of Conservation of Mass?

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

Answer: (D)

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 must equal the mass of the products.
2. Identify the processes listed: Combustion, Respiration, Evaporation, and Photosynthesis. Consider how each process interacts with CO2 in the atmosphere.
3. Combustion and Respiration both involve the release of CO2 into the atmosphere, as they are processes where carbon-containing compounds are oxidized, releasing energy and CO2.
4. Evaporation is a physical process where liquid water turns into vapor, and it does not involve CO2 directly.
5. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert CO2 and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. This process removes CO2 from the atmosphere, aligning with the Law of Conservation of Mass by transforming it into other compounds.