Question

How is the balance of $[C{O_2}]$ maintained in nature?
A. Using electricity
B. Avoiding soil erosion
C. Photosynthesis
D. Increase in industries

Answer 1

Hint: Carbon dioxide, $[C{O_2}]$ is a component of air and present in approximate concentration of 0.04% in air by volume. It is colourless and odourless gas. It is soluble in water. It is a triatomic covalent compound containing one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms through double bonds. Carbon dioxide is released in nature by a variety of sources such as respiration, decomposition of organic matter, weathering of rocks, eruption of volcanoes and forest fire.

Complete step by step answer:
The $[C{O_2}]$ is considered as one of the most abundant renewable resources of carbon. Naturally it occurs as a trace gas in nature, but due to varied human activities and industrialisation, there is a sharp rise in the percentage of $[C{O_2}]$ in the atmosphere.
The natural carbon cycle helps in maintaining a stable climate and balance of carbon in nature. This carbon is generally stored in the form of $[C{O_2}]$ in nature. The natural carbon cycle refers to the flow of carbon on the Earth and its atmosphere in the form of methane and $[C{O_2}]$. The balance of carbon and in turn carbon dioxide in nature is maintained by the following manner: $[C{O_2}]$ is released in the atmosphere by organisms in nature through the process of respiration. The plants used $[C{O_2}]$ in the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis. Ocean also helps in maintaining the balance of $[C{O_2}]$ in nature. All these processes make sure that the life of a molecule of $[C{O_2}]$ in the atmosphere is only 5 years.
Photosynthesis, the process by which plants use energy from the sun to prepare glucose from carbon dioxide and water. The conversion of energy from the sun into chemical energy is associated with the pigment chlorophyll present in plants.
The chemical equation for photosynthesis is given below.
$6C{O_2} + 6{H_2}O + Light energy \to {C_6}{H_{12}}{O_6} + 6{O_2}$
Basically, plants take up $[C{O_2}]$ from the atmosphere and use it during photosynthesis to make for themselves. Due to the process of photosynthesis, $[C{O_2}]$ in the atmosphere is taken and this leads to maintaining the balance of $[C{O_2}]$ in nature.

So, the correct answer is C.

Additional information:
The plants take up the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the small pores on their leaves and these small pores are known as stomata. The stomata are surrounded by a pair of guard cells and these cells control the opening and closing of stomata. When a plant does not require $[C{O_2}]$ from the atmosphere, the stomata will be closed.

Note: Student should keep in mind that using electricity and increase in industries will affect the amount of $[C{O_2}]$ released in nature but will not help in maintaining the balance of $[C{O_2}]$ in nature.
The electricity generation leads to approximately 40% of global $[C{O_2}]$ emission. If the demand for electricity is higher, the amount of electricity needs to be generated will be higher. This will lead to increased emission of $[C{O_2}]$ in the atmosphere and will disrupt the balance of $[C{O_2}]$ in nature.
The increase in industries will emit a higher amount of $[C{O_2}]$ in nature and thus, will contribute to disruption of natural balance of $[C{O_2}]$.