Trees make oxygen through a process called photosynthesis.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
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Photosynthesis: Trees, like other plants, use photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of sugars (glucose). This process uses carbon dioxide from the air and water absorbed from the soil.
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Ingredients: The key ingredients for photosynthesis are:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Absorbed from the atmosphere through tiny pores on the leaves called stomata.
- Water (H2O): Absorbed from the soil through the roots and transported to the leaves.
- Sunlight: Provides the energy to drive the chemical reactions.
- Chlorophyll: A green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plant cells that absorbs sunlight.
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The Process: During photosynthesis, chlorophyll captures sunlight. This light energy is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen. The glucose serves as food for the tree, providing it with the energy it needs to grow and function.
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Oxygen as a Byproduct: Oxygen (O2) is produced as a byproduct of this chemical reaction. This oxygen is then released back into the atmosphere through the stomata in the leaves. This is the oxygen we breathe!
In summary, trees take in carbon dioxide and water, use sunlight to create sugar for themselves, and release oxygen as a byproduct, contributing to the air we breathe.
