Question

What happens if visible light is replaced by AM radio waves in photosynthesis?

A) Photosynthesis would proceed as normal since AM radio waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation.
B) Photosynthesis would be significantly impaired or halted as AM radio waves lack the energy required for the process.
C) Photosynthesis would become more efficient, as AM radio waves have longer wavelengths and can cover larger areas.
D) Photosynthesis would become faster due to the increased penetration of AM radio waves into plant cells.

Answer 1

Replacing visible light with AM radio waves in photosynthesis would lead to a significant impairment or complete halt of the process, as AM radio waves do not carry the appropriate energy needed to excite plant pigments for photosynthesis.

The correct answer is option B) Photosynthesis would be significantly impaired or halted as AM radio waves lack the energy required for the process.

Step-by-step explanation:

If visible light is replaced by AM radio waves in photosynthesis, the process would be significantly impaired or halted. This is because AM radio waves lack the energy required to drive the photosynthetic reactions. Unlike visible light, which is absorbed by plant pigments to facilitate photosynthesis, AM radio waves do not have the appropriate energy to excite these pigments.

The efficiency of photosynthesis is dependent on the absorption of light by plant pigments, and these pigments are evolved to absorb specific wavelengths of visible light, not radio waves. The longer wavelengths and lower energy of AM radio waves do not align with the necessary properties needed to engage the photosynthetic machinery within the plant cells.

The correct answer is option B) Photosynthesis would be significantly impaired or halted as AM radio waves lack the energy required for the process.