Explore the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors
Move the lamp, change CO₂ and temperature and count the oxygen bubbles from a pond plant. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors?
Move the lamp, change CO₂ and temperature and count the oxygen bubbles from a pond plant. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Farmers use this to design greenhouses with the best light, CO₂ and temperature for their crops.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
Photosynthesis turns light, water and CO₂ into glucose and oxygen.
The factor in shortest supply limits the rate.
Light intensity falls with the square of the distance.
Move the lamp twice as far away and see the bubble rate.
Raise the light until CO₂ becomes limiting.
Try green light and explain the result.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Biology learners
Biology students and teachers who want to explore living systems, populations and genetics interactively and safely.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Raise the light until CO₂ becomes limiting. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
What is a limiting factor?
The factor that is in shortest supply and so stops the rate from increasing, even if the other factors are increased.
Why does the rate fall at high temperature?
Enzymes are denatured, so photosynthesis slows down.
Is the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors free to use?
Yes. The Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Biology group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 6 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors?
1. In the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors, use the controls to change Light intensity, Carbon dioxide, Water supply, Temperature, Time of day, and more. The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors, pick an option such as Day, Night, White, Red to switch modes or load an example. 3. In the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors, press "Reset totals" to start, reset or change what is happening. 4. Start with this experiment: Move the lamp twice as far away and see the bubble rate. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors responds in real time. 5. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: Photosynthesis turns light, water and CO₂ into glucose and oxygen.
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Try the Photosynthesis & Limiting Factors now
Move the lamp, change CO₂ and temperature and count the oxygen bubbles from a pond plant. Free to use.
Try it free