Nature of Science: Charts and Graphs

Front

What is the independent variable in a graph?

Back

The independent variable is the variable that is controlled or changed in an experiment, often plotted on the x-axis.

Front

What is the dependent variable in a graph?

Back

The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or observed in an experiment, often plotted on the y-axis.

Front

What does a line graph represent?

Back

A line graph shows the relationship between two variables, with points connected by lines to indicate trends over time.

Front

What is a bar graph used for?

Back

A bar graph is used to compare different groups or categories by displaying data with rectangular bars.

Front

What is a pie chart?

Back

A pie chart is a circular graph divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportions.

Front

What is a controlled variable?

Back

A controlled variable is a factor that is kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure that the results are valid.

Front

What does the x-axis represent in a graph?

Back

The x-axis typically represents the independent variable.

Front

What does the y-axis represent in a graph?

Back

The y-axis typically represents the dependent variable.

Front

How do you determine the scale of a graph?

Back

The scale of a graph is determined by the range of data and the number of intervals chosen for each axis.

Front

What is the purpose of a legend in a graph?

Back

A legend explains the symbols, colors, or patterns used in the graph to represent different data sets.