Question

Which of the following processes returns oxygen to the atmosphere? Select one: a. photosynthesis b. combustion c. respiration d. mineralization

Answer 1

Answer:

Photosynthesis.

Explanation:

When looking at the formulas for each process, photosynthesis is the only one that produces oxygen:  $(6H_{2} O + 6CO_{2} -> C_{6} H_{12}O_{6} + 6O_{2})$

Photosynthesis is a process that occurs in plants in which water and carbon dioxide are the reactants, and glucose and oxygen being the products. Plants RESTORE oxygen to the atmosphere.

The others are wrong, because:

Combustion: Oxygen is on the reactants side and is USED in the reaction.

Respiration: Oxygen is TAKEN from the atmosphere.

Mineralization: Has to do with organic matter, not related.

Answer 2

Answer:

Photosynthesis

Explanation:

Plants take in CO2 and only use the carbon, they put the O2 (aka oxygen) back into the envioment.