Question

Which statement best explains this increase? Responses The plant gained matter from the air and water, and the mass of air and water was not measured. The plant gained matter from the air and water, and the mass of air and water was not measured. The plant gained matter from its seed, and the mass of the seed was not measured. The plant gained matter from its seed, and the mass of the seed was not measured. The plant performed photosynthesis, a process that converts energy to mass. The plant performed photosynthesis, a process that converts energy to mass. The plant performed photosynthesis, a process that does not conserve mass. The plant performed photosynthesis, a process that does not conserve mass. chooose the correct answer

Answer 1

The correct explanation for a plant's mass increase is that it gained matter from the air and water through photosynthesis. During this process, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into sugars and structural plant matter, while releasing oxygen.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement that best explains why a plant's mass increases is that the plant gained matter from the air and water, and the mass of air and water was not measured. Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) and use these two substances along with sunlight to perform photosynthesis. During this process, plants convert CO2 and H2O into glucose (a form of sugar) and release oxygen (O2). The glucose is used both for energy and to build plant structures, contributing to the plant's dry mass.

Thus, when discussing plant growth in terms of mass, we're indeed talking about an increase in size that involves energy conversion into sugars and other organic compounds, which are heavier than the individual gases from which they are made. Although plants grow 'out of thin air' by taking carbon from the air, they certainly do not convert energy to mass or violate mass conservation, as they are essentially repackaging carbon into a denser form within their structure.