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Difficulty: EasyIdentifying Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables

A geology student conducts an experiment to test how the slope of a hill affects the rate of soil erosion. Four identical trays are filled with equal amounts of the same soil type. The trays are set at angles of incline of 10∘10^\circ, 20∘20^\circ, 30∘30^\circ, and 40∘40^\circ, respectively. Water is poured onto each tray at a constant rate for 5 minutes5\text{ minutes}, and the mass of soil washed away from each tray is collected and weighed.

In this experiment, which factor is the independent variable?

  1. The angle of incline of each trayAnswer
  2. B
    The mass of soil washed away from each tray
  3. C
    The total volume of water poured onto each tray
  4. D
    The type of soil used in the trays

Answer

The independent variable in this experiment is the angle of incline of each tray.
The angle of incline of each tray is the independent variable because it is the specific factor intentionally altered by the experimenter (10∘10^\circ, 20∘20^\circ, 30∘30^\circ, and 40∘40^\circ) to observe its effect on soil erosion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify what factor the student explicitly changes across the experimental trials.
The student deliberately changes the tray angle between 10∘10^\circ, 20∘20^\circ, 30∘30^\circ, and 40∘40^\circ.
The independent variable is the condition or factor directly manipulated by the experimenter.
2
Distinguish the independent variable from the dependent variable and controlled variables.
The mass of eroded soil is measured (dependent variable), while soil type and water volume are kept constant (controlled variables).
Ensuring variables are correctly categorized verifies that the manipulated factor is uniquely identified.

Key Concept

Independent vs. Dependent and Controlled Variables
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Identifying Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables

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