Variables Practice

Directions For each of the following situations, identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and constant(s)/controlled variables.

#1 Heat is applied to water using a Bunsen burner. Over the time the water is heated, the temperature of the water is measured once per minute. The setting on the burner is not changed during the experiment.   I: D: C/C:

#2 A pharmaceutical company needs to compare the effectiveness of several cholesterol medicines. Groups of 100 people are given 400 milligrams of each medication over a period of one month. After one month, the level of cholesterol in their blood is tested.   I: D: C/C:

#3 An auto racing team wants to know which type of tire allows their car to go fastest around an oval-shaped track. They test 4 different tires for 25, 50, and 75 laps each and record the times it takes the driver to cover the laps. I: D:  C/C:

#4 A parent wants to know if the store-brand laundry detergent cleans their son’s football jersey as well as the name brand. One week they use one capful of store-brand detergent and check for stains. The next week, they use one capful of name-brand detergent. In both cases, the jersey is washed with three towels in a full tub of warm water.   I: D: C/C: