IB Physics Skills: Validity Part 1

The video tutorial covers the concept of validity in IB physics experiments, focusing on independent, dependent, and controlled variables. It uses examples like an archery competition and a slingshot experiment to illustrate how these variables affect the validity of an experiment. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of controlling variables to draw meaningful conclusions and provides guidance on selecting appropriate variables for experiments.

What is the primary goal of a valid experiment?

• To ensure all results are the same

• To test the aim and hypothesis accurately

• To use different methods each time

• To change as many variables as possible

In the archery competition example, what was the independent variable?

• The archer

• The type of bow used

• The archer's score

• The number of arrows

Why was Chelsea's score considered invalid in the archery competition?

• She didn't follow the rules

• She used a different type of bow

• She missed the target

• She scored too high

What was the dependent variable in Anna's slingshot experiment?

• The angle of launch

• The type of slingshot used

• The distance the pebble traveled

• The number of rubber bands

Why is it important to have only one independent variable in an experiment?

• To make the experiment more complex

• To attribute changes in the dependent variable to one factor

• To allow for multiple conclusions

• To ensure the experiment is quick

Which of the following is NOT a valid dependent variable in the slingshot experiment?

• The range of the pebble

• The angle of launch

• The initial velocity of the pebble

• The time of flight of the pebble

What is a controlled variable?

• A factor that is ignored in an experiment

• A factor that is changed in an experiment

• A factor that is measured in an experiment

• A factor that is kept constant in an experiment

Why is it important to keep environmental conditions constant in an experiment?

• To allow for more variables to be tested

• To ensure the results are not influenced by external factors

• To reduce the time needed for the experiment

• To make the experiment more challenging

What is the role of controlled variables in an experiment?

• To ensure the independent variable is the only factor affecting the dependent variable

• To make the experiment more interesting

• To allow for multiple independent variables

• To change the outcome of the experiment

What is the main focus of the conclusion and revision section?

• Introducing new variables

• Summarizing the key concepts of validity

• Discussing new experiments

• Explaining the history of scientific methods