Identifying Variables

A student wanted to test how the mass of a paper airplane affected the distance it would fly. Paper clips were added before each test flight. As each paper clip was added, the plane was tested to determine how far it would fly.

What is the independent variable?

• Shape of the airplane's wings

• Distance the airplane was thrown

• Type of paper used for the airplane

• Number of paper clips (mass of the airplane)

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the number of paper clips added, as it directly affects the mass of the airplane and is manipulated to observe its impact on the distance flown.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

A student wanted to test how the mass of a paper airplane affected the distance it would fly. Paper clips were added before each test flight. As each paper clip was added, the plane was tested to determine how far it would fly.

What is the dependent variable?

• Type of paper used for the airplane

• Number of paper clips added

• Distance the airplane flew

• Shape of the airplane

Answer explanation

The dependent variable is the distance the airplane flew, as it is the outcome being measured in response to the changes in the independent variable, which is the number of paper clips added.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

A student wanted to test how the mass of a paper airplane affected the distance it would fly. Paper clips were added before each test flight. As each paper clip was added, the plane was tested to determine how far it would fly.

What is the control group?

• Paper airplane with no paper clips

• Paper airplane with the most paper clips

• Paper airplane with the farthest distance

• Paper airplane with the shortest distance

Answer explanation

The control group is the paper airplane with no paper clips, as it serves as a baseline to compare how the added mass of paper clips affects the distance flown.

A student wanted to test how the mass of a paper airplane affected the distance it would fly. Paper clips were added before each test flight. As each paper clip was added, the plane was tested to determine how far it would fly.

What are the constants?

• Mass of airplane, distance flown, number of flights, paper color

• Number of paper clips, distance flown, type of paper, wind speed

• Type of paper, design of airplane, throwing method, environment

• Distance flown, mass of airplane, type of paper, number of throws

Answer explanation

The constants in this experiment are the factors that remain unchanged. The type of paper, design of the airplane, throwing method, and environment must stay the same to accurately assess the effect of mass on distance flown.

Two groups of students were tested to compare their speed working math problems. Each group was given the same problems. One group used calculators and the other group computed without calculators. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

• Number of students in each group

• Type of math problems

• Use of calculators

• Time of day the test was given

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the factor that is changed in an experiment. In this case, the use of calculators is what differentiates the two groups, making it the independent variable.

Two groups of students were tested to compare their speed working math problems. Each group was given the same problems. One group used calculators and the other group computed without calculators.

What is the dependent variable?

• Speed of solving math problems

• Type of calculator used

• Number of students in each group

• Difficulty of the math problems

Answer explanation

The dependent variable is what is measured in an experiment. Here, the speed of solving math problems is measured to see how it differs between the two groups, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Two groups of students were tested to compare their speed working math problems. Each group was given the same problems. One group used calculators and the other group computed without calculators. Which of the following is the control group?

• Both groups

• Group with calculators

• Group without calculators

• Neither group

Answer explanation

The control group is the one that does not receive the experimental treatment. In this case, the group without calculators serves as the control group, allowing comparison to the group using calculators.

Two groups of students were tested to compare their speed working math problems. Each group was given the same problems. One group used calculators and the other group computed without calculators.

What are the constants?

• Different calculators, different math problems, different students

• Different math problems, different teachers, different classrooms

• Same students, different subjects, different time limits

• Same math problems, same environment, same time limit

Answer explanation

The constants in the experiment are the same math problems, same environment, and same time limit, ensuring a fair comparison between the two groups. The other options introduce variables that would affect the results.

Students of different ages were given the same puzzle to assemble. The puzzle assembly time was measured. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

• Puzzle assembly time

• Age of students

• Type of puzzle

• Number of students

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the factor that is manipulated in an experiment. Here, the age of students is varied to observe its effect on puzzle assembly time, making it the independent variable.

Students of different ages were given the same puzzle to assemble. The puzzle assembly time was measured.

What is the dependent variable?

• Number of students

• Age of students

• Type of puzzle

• Puzzle assembly time

Answer explanation

The dependent variable is the outcome being measured in an experiment. In this case, it is the puzzle assembly time, as it depends on the age of the students and is the main focus of the study.