is the independent or dependent variable that stays the same?
2006-08-30 12:28:17 · 8 answers · asked by Pal G 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. In an experiment there is only one independent variable.
As the scientist changes the independent variable, he or she observes what happens.
The dependent variable changes in response to the change the scientist makes to the independent variable. The new value of the dependent variable is caused by and depends on the value of the independent variable. For example, if you open a faucet (the independent variable), the quantity of water flowing (dependent variable) changes in response--the water flow increases. The number of dependent variables in an experiment varies, but there is often more than one.
Experiments also have controlled variables. Controlled variables are quantities that a scientist wants to remain constant, and he must observe them as carefully as the dependent variables. For example, if we want to measure how much water flow increases when we open a faucet, it is important to make sure that the water pressure (the controlled variable) is held constant. That's because both the water pressure and the opening of a faucet have an impact on how much water flows. If we change both of them at the same time, we can't be sure how much of the change in water flow is because of the faucet opening and how much because of the water pressure. Most experiments have more than one controlled variable. Some people refer to controlled variables as "constant variables."
2006-08-30 12:36:33 · answer #1 · answered by Kristin Pregnant with #4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither of them stay the same. The independant variable is one that you set for that particular trial, and the dependant variable is the one that changes depending on the independant variable.
Ex:
Independant variable would be how hot you make the water before the put the goldfish in, the dependant variable would be how long it takes for the goldfish to die.
So really, neither of them will stay the same, but if that is the question on the test specifically, they are probably looking for independant because you know the value when the experiment starts.
EDIT : Clarified and expanded the answer.
2006-08-30 19:31:49 · answer #2 · answered by Paintball Guy 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Independent
2006-08-30 19:33:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's the independent variable b/c the dependent variable changes DEPENDING on the independent variable.
2006-08-30 19:35:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A variable always changes. That is why it is called a variable. If it didn't change it would be a constant.
2006-08-30 19:32:30 · answer #5 · answered by j_son_06 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
independent
2006-08-30 19:46:00 · answer #6 · answered by Raven 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
independent
2006-08-30 19:37:52 · answer #7 · answered by Cutie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
independent
2006-08-30 19:31:47 · answer #8 · answered by colombianqt2112 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋