Final answer:
To measure the O2 produced by plants, set up an experiment to collect the gas in water, and use a substance like NaOH or KOH to absorb any CO2 produced to ensure accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To measure the amount of O2 plants produce in a lab, you can use an experimental setup where the plant is submerged in water. As the plant undergoes photosynthesis, it releases oxygen, which can be collected in an inverted graduated cylinder or a gas syringe. However, to ensure accurate measurements, you would need to remove any carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the plant. This can be done by adding a substance like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH), which will absorb the CO2. By measuring the volume of oxygen collected over time, you can determine the rate of oxygen production, which is an indirect measurement of the plant's photosynthetic rate.