Question
For each factor, determine whether the factor was the independent variable. The dependent variable are the controlled factor.
The approximate amount of soil in each bottle
The type of erosion protection on each soil sample
The amount of soi washed out of each bottle
Approximate amount of water poured on each sample
The approximate amount of soil in each bottle
The type of erosion protection on each soil sample
The amount of soi washed out of each bottle
Approximate amount of water poured on each sample
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To determine whether each factor listed is an independent variable or a dependent variable, let’s first clarify the definitions:
- **Independent Variable**: The factor that is deliberately changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.
- **Dependent Variable**: The factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by the changes in the independent variable.
Now, analyzing the factors you provided:
1. **The approximate amount of soil in each bottle**: This is likely a controlled variable, as it remains constant across different trials to ensure a fair test. **Not an independent variable.**
2. **The type of erosion protection on each soil sample**: This is an independent variable, as it is the factor that you would change to observe its effect on the erosion process. **This is an independent variable.**
3. **The amount of soil washed out of each bottle**: This is the dependent variable, as it is the outcome being measured based on the changes made (in this case, changes in erosion protection). **This is a dependent variable.**
4. **Approximate amount of water poured on each sample**: This could also be considered an independent variable as it can be adjusted to see how different amounts affect erosion. **This is an independent variable.**
In summary:
- Independent Variables: The type of erosion protection on each soil sample, approximate amount of water poured on each sample.
- Dependent Variable: The amount of soil washed out of each bottle.
- Controlled Variable: The approximate amount of soil in each bottle.
- **Independent Variable**: The factor that is deliberately changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.
- **Dependent Variable**: The factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by the changes in the independent variable.
Now, analyzing the factors you provided:
1. **The approximate amount of soil in each bottle**: This is likely a controlled variable, as it remains constant across different trials to ensure a fair test. **Not an independent variable.**
2. **The type of erosion protection on each soil sample**: This is an independent variable, as it is the factor that you would change to observe its effect on the erosion process. **This is an independent variable.**
3. **The amount of soil washed out of each bottle**: This is the dependent variable, as it is the outcome being measured based on the changes made (in this case, changes in erosion protection). **This is a dependent variable.**
4. **Approximate amount of water poured on each sample**: This could also be considered an independent variable as it can be adjusted to see how different amounts affect erosion. **This is an independent variable.**
In summary:
- Independent Variables: The type of erosion protection on each soil sample, approximate amount of water poured on each sample.
- Dependent Variable: The amount of soil washed out of each bottle.
- Controlled Variable: The approximate amount of soil in each bottle.