An engineer conducts an experiment to investigate how varying the thickness of synthetic r… — ACT

An engineer conducts an experiment to investigate how varying the thickness of synthetic rubber padding affects the peak impact force absorbed during a collision test. In each trial, a $2.0\text{ kg}$ steel sphere is dropped from a constant height of $1.5\text{ m}$ onto padding samples measuring $5\text{ mm}$ , $10\text{ mm}$ , or $15\text{ mm}$ in thickness while maintaining the laboratory temperature at $20^\circ\text{C}$ . Match each experimental component on the left with its corresponding variable classification on the right.

Thickness of the synthetic rubber padding ( $5\text{ mm}$ , $10\text{ mm}$ , $15\text{ mm}$ )Independent Variable
Peak impact force measured during collisionDependent Variable
Drop height ( $1.5\text{ m}$ ) and mass of the steel sphere ( $2.0\text{ kg}$ )Controlled Variable

Answer

Thickness of rubber padding matches Independent Variable; Peak impact force matches Dependent Variable; Drop height and sphere mass match Controlled Variable.

The padding thickness is purposefully manipulated by the researcher across trials, which defines the independent variable. The peak impact force is the resulting measurement collected to evaluate performance, defining the dependent variable. Parameters like drop height and sphere mass are held constant across all tests to ensure fairness, which defines controlled variables.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the factor systematically changed across trials by the investigator.

The researcher manipulates padding thickness (

5\text{ mm}

10\text{ mm}

15\text{ mm}

), so padding thickness is the independent variable.

The independent variable is the condition tested or altered intentionally in an experiment.

Identify the parameter measured as an outcome or response.

The impact force absorbed is recorded in response to changes in thickness, making peak impact force the dependent variable.

The dependent variable responds to or depends upon changes made to the independent variable.

Identify parameters held constant throughout all experimental trials.

Drop height (

1.5\text{ m}

) and mass (

2.0\text{ kg}

) are fixed for every trial, making them controlled variables.

Controlled variables must be kept unchanged to isolate the relationship between independent and dependent variables.

Key Concept

Experimental Variable Classification

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