Scientific Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the factor that is purposely changed or manipulated in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which changes in response to the independent variable.

Front

What is a constant in an experiment?

Back

A constant is a factor that remains the same throughout the experiment to ensure that the test results are valid.

Front

What is the purpose of a control variable?

Back

A control variable is used as a standard for comparison in an experiment, helping to isolate the effects of the independent variable.

Front

How do you identify the independent variable in an experiment?

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The independent variable is identified as the one that is changed or controlled by the experimenter.

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

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The independent variable affects the dependent variable; changes in the independent variable lead to changes in the dependent variable.

Front

Why is it important to have constants in an experiment?

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Constants are important because they help ensure that the experiment is fair and that the results are due to the independent variable alone.

Front

What is an example of an independent variable?

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In an experiment testing the effect of sunlight on plant growth, the amount of sunlight is the independent variable.

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What is an example of a dependent variable?

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In the same plant growth experiment, the height of the plants is the dependent variable.

Front

What does it mean to control variables?

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Controlling variables means keeping certain factors constant to ensure that the experiment tests only the effects of the independent variable.