Variables Flashcards
What is a variable?
A variable is anything that can change and be measured.
What are Independent variables?
The variable that is being changed during the experiment
What are Dependent variables?
The variable being tested or measured during the experiment
What are Control Variables?
A control variable in scientific experimentation is an experimental element which is constant and unchanged throughout the course of the investigation.
What type of variable is changed during an experiment?
The independent variable - the factor that is deliberately changed during the experiment
Plant growth and water
Adding different amounts of water to a plant could affect its growth. To investigate this, plant some seeds and water each plant with different amount over time.
What would be the Independent, Dependent and Control Variables for this experiment?
The independent variable is the volume of water given to each plant.
The dependent variable is how high the plant grows.
Control variables include the size of pots, the type of soil and the position in a room.
Dropping a ball from different heights
Dropping a ball from different heights could affect how high it bounces.
What would be the Independent, Dependent and Control Variables for this experiment?
The independent variable is the height of the drop.
The dependent variable is how high the ball bounces.
Control variables include the type of ball, the surface that it is dropped onto and the size of the ball.
Testing reaction times
Reaction times can be investigated by dropping a ruler and seeing how quickly someone can grab it.
What would be the Independent, Dependent and Control Variables for this experiment?
The independent variable is the person who is trying to catch the ruler.
The dependent variable is how far the ruler dropped.
Control variables include the position of the ruler above the hand and the distance between the finger and thumb.
Speed and angle of a ramp
How the angle of a ramp affects the speed of a car can be investigated by timing how long the car takes to travel a certain distance.
What would be the Independent, Dependent and Control Variables for this experiment?
The independent variable is the angle of the ramp.
The dependent variable is the speed the car travels.
Control variables include the distance that the car travels, the surface it travels over and the car.
True or false?
The dependent variable varies as the independent variable is changed.
True. The dependent variable is the one being tested or measured during the experiment
Something that can change and be measured is called a…
The independent variable
Which variable is measured during an experiment?
The dependent variable
Which variable, other than the independent variable, could affect the dependent variable?
A control variable
