graphing relationships in science

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable is what you are measuring in an experiment. It is the data that changes in response to the independent variable.

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the factor that you change or control in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What does a graph represent in scientific experiments?

Back

A graph visually represents the relationship between two variables, showing how one variable changes in relation to another.

Front

How do you identify the dependent variable on a graph?

Back

The dependent variable is usually plotted on the y-axis and represents the outcome or effect being measured.

Front

How do you identify the independent variable on a graph?

Back

The independent variable is usually plotted on the x-axis and represents the factor that is manipulated in the experiment.

Front

What is the purpose of a control in an experiment?

Back

A control is used to ensure that the results of an experiment are due to the independent variable and not other factors.

Front

What is a hypothesis?

Back

A hypothesis is a testable prediction about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Front

What does it mean if a graph shows a direct relationship?

Back

A direct relationship means that as one variable increases, the other variable also increases.

Front

What does it mean if a graph shows an inverse relationship?

Back

An inverse relationship means that as one variable increases, the other variable decreases.

Front

What is the significance of the slope in a graph?

Back

The slope of a graph indicates the rate of change between the two variables; a steeper slope means a greater rate of change.