Question

11/23 which of the following is the only process that can remove carbon from the atmosphere? respiration combustion death photosynthesis

Explanation:

To determine the process that removes carbon from the atmosphere, we analyze each option:

• Respiration: Organisms release carbon dioxide ($\ce{CO_2}$) into the atmosphere during respiration, so it adds carbon, not removes it.
• Combustion: Burning fossil fuels or organic matter releases $\ce{CO_2}$ into the atmosphere, increasing atmospheric carbon.
• Death: When organisms die, their carbon - containing matter is decomposed or stored, but this does not directly remove carbon from the atmosphere.
• Photosynthesis: Plants (and some other organisms) use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce glucose (and other organic compounds) through the reaction $\ce{6CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow[chlorophyll]{light} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2}$. This process takes in $\ce{CO_2}$ from the atmosphere, effectively removing carbon (in the form of $\ce{CO_2}$) from the atmosphere.

Answer:

D. Photosynthesis