Question

What is the percentage of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) captured by plants?

• A. 1
• B. 70-80%
• C. 40-50%
• D. 2-10%

Hint:

Plants utilize only a small fraction (2-10%) of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) for photosynthesis. Most of the sunlight energy is not converted into chemical energy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) refers to the portion of the sunlight spectrum (400-700 nm) that is used by plants for photosynthesis. Although sunlight is abundant, plants are able to capture only a small fraction of PAR effectively. Studies indicate that only about 2-10% of the PAR available to plants is converted into chemical energy through photosynthesis. The rest of the energy is either reflected, transmitted, or dissipated as heat.