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Difficulty: MediumIdentifying Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables

A team of atmospheric scientists investigated how varying the relative humidity inside a sealed reaction chamber affects the rate of ozone (O3\text{O}_3) depletion by aerosolized sea salt particles. In five separate trials, the relative humidity was set to 20%, 35%, 50%, 65%, and 80%, while the initial ozone concentration, temperature, and mass of sea salt particles were held constant. Based on the description of the experiment, which parameter was the dependent variable?

  1. The rate of ozone depletionAnswer
  2. B
    The relative humidity inside the chamber
  3. C
    The mass of aerosolized sea salt particles
  4. D
    The initial concentration of ozone

Answer

The rate of ozone depletion was the dependent variable in the experiment.
The rate of ozone depletion is the measured response in the experiment that changes based on the relative humidity, satisfying the definition of a dependent variable.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the factor intentionally altered by the experimenters across trials.
Relative humidity was set to different values (20%, 35%, 50%, 65%, and 80%), identifying it as the independent variable.
The independent variable is the condition that is systematically varied by the researcher.
2
Identify the outcome or quantity measured to evaluate the effect of the manipulated factor.
The rate of ozone depletion is observed and measured as a response to changes in humidity.
The dependent variable is the measurable response that changes as a function of the independent variable.
3
Match the measured outcome to the options provided.
The rate of ozone depletion represents the dependent variable.
It directly measures the result of changing the independent variable under controlled conditions.

Key Concept

Identifying Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables
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Topics

Identifying Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables

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