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Where does the mass of a tree come from?
Question
#24880. Asked by kiki. (Dec 05 02 8:35 PM)
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sequoianoir
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It basically comes a process called photosynthesis using carbon dioxide, water, sunlight and a selection of nutrients.
On a clear day, the sun transmits about a kilowatt of power per square meter and plants use that energy to convert water and CO2 into food.
 http://photoscience.la.asu.edu/photosyn/education/learn.html
To calculate its mass you need to divide its weight by the gravitational force applicable at said location.
See link for explanation.
http://gcsephysics.com/pfm18.htm
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Gnomon
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To put that in simpler terms, all plants use the energy in sunlight to convert air into plants. A small amount of trace elements come from the soil through the roots, but almost all of the mass comes from the air.
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