Independent and Dependent Variables in Real World

Ben makes five paper helicopters with different wing lengths. He drops them the same way from a height of two meters for five trials each. He records the amount of time it takes for each helicopter to fall to the ground.

What is the independent variable?

• Dropping the same way

• Wing Length

• Amount of time it takes the helicopter to hit the floor

• Dropping from the same height

What is the independent variable in the following experiment? Plants grow more when exposed to classical music

• Exposure to classical music

• height of plant

• Normal exposure to noises with no music

What is the dependent variable in the following experiment? Plants grow more when exposed to classical music

• Exposure to classical music

• Normal exposure to noises with no music

• height of plant

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

What is the dependent variable in the following experiment? What effect does an increase in temperature have on the decaying process of apples?

• temperature

• decaying process of apples

• room temperature apples

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Give an example of a real-world situation where you would identify independent and dependent variables.

• Independent variable: Amount of sunlight; Dependent variable: Growth of the plant.

• Independent variable: Size of the pot; Dependent variable: Number of leaves.

• Independent variable: Type of soil; Dependent variable: Amount of water used.

• Independent variable: Temperature; Dependent variable: Color of the flower.

Answer explanation

The correct choice identifies the amount of sunlight as the independent variable affecting the growth of the plant, which is the dependent variable. This relationship illustrates how changes in sunlight can influence plant growth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

In an experiment measuring plant growth, what is the independent variable?

• The temperature of the environment.

• The factor being manipulated, such as sunlight or water.

• The type of plant being tested.

• The amount of soil used in the experiment.

Answer explanation

The independent variable is the factor being manipulated in the experiment. In this case, it refers to elements like sunlight or water that are intentionally changed to observe their effect on plant growth.

How can you tell which variable is dependent on the graph?

• The dependent variable is always the first variable listed.

• The dependent variable can be found in the legend.

• The dependent variable is on the y-axis.

• The dependent variable is on the x-axis.

Answer explanation

The dependent variable is typically plotted on the y-axis, representing the outcome or effect that changes in the independent variable (on the x-axis) may influence. Thus, the correct choice is that the dependent variable is on the y-axis.

What is an independent variable?

• A variable that is not relevant to the experiment.

• The variable that is measured in response to changes.

• A variable that remains constant throughout the experiment.

• An independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment.

Answer explanation

An independent variable is the one that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable. This distinguishes it from other variables that may remain constant or are measured.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

In a study to determine the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, what is the independent variable?

• Type of fertilizer used

• Amount of water given

• Growth of the plant

• Type of plant

In an experiment to test the effect of temperature on the solubility of a substance, what is the dependent variable?

• Temperature

• Amount of substance

• Solubility of the substance

• Type of substance

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4