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Measuring transpiration with a potometer

  • 3 things to know
  • Papers 1, 2 and 3

Overview

Recall questions on setting up a potometer underwater without air bubbles, calculating the rate of water uptake from bubble movement, the variables to change and control, why uptake is not exactly transpiration, and reducing percentage error in the distance measured.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Process

In the formula for rate of water uptake, what does the 'distance' term represent?

Process

What would happen to the reliability of potometer results if air bubbles were present in the capillary tube?

Process

Why is water uptake measured by a potometer not exactly equal to transpiration?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why must the shoot be cut and assembled underwater when setting up a potometer?

    Model answer

    To prevent air entering the xylem, which would block water flow.

  2. 2

    State the formula used to calculate the rate of water uptake from potometer measurements.

    Model answer

    Rate = distance moved by air bubble ÷ time taken.

  3. 3

    In the formula for rate of water uptake, what does the 'distance' term represent?

    Model answer

    The distance moved by the air bubble along the capillary tube.

  4. 4

    Calculate the rate of water uptake when distance moved by bubble = 43 mm, time taken = 8 min.

    Model answer

    Rate of water uptake = 43 ÷ 8 = 5.38 mm/min.

  5. 5

    In a potometer experiment, how is the rate of water uptake measured?

    Model answer

    By recording the distance moved by an air bubble along the capillary tube over a set time period, then calculating the volume of water taken up per unit time.

  6. 6

    How does a potometer measure the rate of water uptake?

    Model answer

    By tracking the movement of an air bubble along a calibrated capillary tube over time.

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