Understanding Variables in Experiments

What is the primary purpose of an independent variable in an experiment?

• To be manipulated by the experimenter

• To remain constant

• To measure the outcome

• To serve as a control

In the egg experiment, what was the dependent variable?

• Whether the egg smashes

• The mass of the object

• The height from which the object is dropped

• The type of egg used

Which of the following is an example of a control variable in the egg experiment?

• The mass of the object

• The height from which the object is dropped

• Whether the egg smashes

• The angle of the egg

Why is it important to maintain control variables in an experiment?

• To change the outcome of the experiment

• To make the experiment more complex

• To increase the number of variables

• To ensure the experiment is fair and results are valid

In the second example, what was the independent variable when changing the height?

• The size of the masses

• The angle of the egg

• The type of egg used

• The height from which the masses are dropped