Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Bridget Burgess on 01/03/2011 11:30:03

Title: Does photosynthesis increase mass?
Post by: Bridget Burgess on 01/03/2011 11:30:03

Bridget Burgess   asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris,
 
I am not a scientistis' bootlace, but I would like to ask a question that I have wondered about for years.
 
Plants turn photons and basic elements into food; firstly for their own growth and then they either die and decay or become somethings food.
 
Is this prcoess slowly enlarging the earth? I faintly remember from my science days at school energy = matter and if plants synthize light with matter into growth then it may increase the size of the original matter?
 
Maybe a dumb question?
 
Regards

Bridget Burgess        

What do you think?

Title: Does photosynthesis increase mass?
Post by: Jolly- Joliver on 29/03/2011 17:46:09

Quote from: Bridget Burgess  on 01/03/2011 11:30:03

Bridget Burgess   asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi Chris,
 
I am not a scientistis' bootlace, but I would like to ask a question that I have wondered about for years.
 
Plants turn photons and basic elements into food; firstly for their own growth and then they either die and decay or become somethings food.
 
Is this prcoess slowly enlarging the earth? I faintly remember from my science days at school energy = matter and if plants synthize light with matter into growth then it may increase the size of the original matter?
 
Maybe a dumb question?
 
Regards

Bridget Burgess         

What do you think?

Do you mean is the earth getting bigger because the sun gives it light? Kinda implies the idea that the earth is a giant plant.

I did see recently a guy who believed in consistent expansion, that everything was always increasing in size, relative to everything else, so you don't notice.