Scientific Variables

This variable in an experiment is the one being deliberately changed by the scientist. 

• dependent variable
• independent variable
• data
• control group

Mr. S. sets up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp.  Identify the independent variable.

• distance traveled by the ball
• height of the ramp
• mass of the ball
• weight of the ball

Mr. S. sets up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp.  Identify the dependent variable.

• height of the ramp
•  distance traveled by the ball
• mass of the ball
• weight of the ball

A student is planning an experiment to find out how the height from which he drops a ball affects how high the ball bounces. The dependent variable is the _____.

• Diameter of the ball
• Force acting on the ball
• Height that the ball bounces
• Height from which the ball is dropped

When experimenting with the growth of a plant, a scientist uses three (of the same type of) plants, two different fertilizers, equal light, and equal water. What type of variable is the fertilizer?

• Dependent
• Independent
• Control
• Compound

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, what is the dependent variable?

• Type of plant
• Water, apple juice, milk
• Plant growth
• Color of the plant's leaves

A scientist hypothesizes the the temperature at which an alligator's egg is incubated will determine whether the alligator will be male or female. The dependent variable is

• the size of the baby alligators
• the gender of the baby alligators
• the incubator
• the temperature

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, the independent variable is ...

• The type of plant
• The amount of sunlight
• The type of music
• The type of liquid

A student wants to test the effects of type of exercise on heart rate.  What is the dependent variable?

• heart rate
• type of exercise
• amount of exercise
• time of day exercise occurs

The part of the experiment that is used for comparison

• control group

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• controlled variable