Scientific Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

An independent variable is the factor that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Front

What is a controlled variable (constant)?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of an independent variable in an experiment about plant growth.

Back

The amount of sunlight each plant receives.

Front

Give an example of a dependent variable in an experiment about plant growth.

Back

The number of tomatoes that grow on the plants.

Front

Why is it important to control variables in an experiment?

Back

Controlling variables ensures that the experiment tests only the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable, leading to valid results.

Front

What happens if you change more than one variable in an experiment?

Back

If more than one variable is changed, it becomes difficult to determine which variable caused any observed changes in the dependent variable.

Front

In the experiment about music and heart rate, what is the independent variable?

Back

The type of music being played.

Front

In the experiment about dropping a tennis ball, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The height the ball bounces.

Front

What is the purpose of an experiment?

Back

The purpose of an experiment is to test a hypothesis by manipulating variables and observing the effects.