Final answer:
Light is crucial for plant growth as it is required for photosynthesis. Max's experiment showed that plants that received more light grew significantly taller, indicating that light intensity positively correlates with growth due to its role in enabling photosynthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Effect of Light on Plant Growth:
Claim: Light significantly affects plant growth by providing the energy necessary for photosynthesis.
Evidence: In an experiment by a student named Max, three sunflower seedlings were grown under different light conditions. The seedling in the basement with no light grew only 2 cm, whereas the one in the kitchen a few feet from a window grew to 20 cm, and the one directly on the windowsill reached 30 cm in height.
Reasoning: Photosynthesis requires sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The growth disparity among the seedlings shows that light availability directly influences photosynthesis rates and therefore plant growth. Plants receiving more light had increased photosynthesis, leading to more growth. The absence of light in the basement restricted photosynthesis, stunting plant growth.