Question

Which of the following statements is TRUE about photosynthesis and chemical weathering?1. Both processes use CO2 as a reactant (i.e., decrease atmospheric CO2 levels).2. Both processes release CO2 as a product (i.e., increase atmospheric CO2 levels).3. Both processes are typically associated with the long-term carbon cycle.4. Both processes are typically associated with the short-term carbon cycle.

Answer 1

1. Both processes use CO2 as a reactant (i.e., decrease atmospheric CO2 levels).

Step-by-step explanation:

Chemical weathering refers to the chemical reactions that break down and reform the rocks and minerals. Carbon from atmosphere combines with water and falls on the surface of rocks in form of carbonic acid dissolved in the rainwater. The acid breakdown the rock and released calcium ions reach oceans through rivers and combine with bicarbonate to form calcium bicarbonate. The calcium carbonate is deposited onto the floor of ocean in form of limestone.

Photosynthesis is the process of fixing the atmospheric carbon dioxide in presence of sunlight into organic nutrients (glucose). The dark reactions of photosynthesis use the ATP and NADPH to fix CO2 into glucose.

Therefore, both photosynthesis and chemical weathering use the CO2 as raw material and remove it from the atmosphere.