Variables & Graphs
Variable definition:
O A variable is any factor or condition
that can exist in different amounts or
types to use them in experimental
tests.
O Examples: mass – length –
temperature – time – speed - volume
Types of variables:
O Variables are three types:
Independent dependent control
Is the variable is the variable is the
Changed by that is observed variable
Scientists to be or measured by that is
tested. scientists. And it fixed and
depends on the does not
independent variable change.
Independent Variable
O This variable is the most important variable that
scientists choose to test its effect in their experiment.
O Examples:
testing the effect of light on photosynthesis.
testing the effect of sleeping hours on concentration.
Dependent Variable:
O This variable is the responding variable. It is measured
or observed during the experiment, it is considered as
the results obtained at the end of the experiment
Control Variable
O It includes all the factors that should remain the same
throughout an experiment.
O It is the variable the makes the experiment fair and
successful.
O Note that each experiment has only one independent
variable, one dependent variable, but many control
variables.
Example # 1:
O Roni wanted to study how does the amount of fertilizer
affects the plant growth.
O So he planned an experiment by choosing three plants
of the same size and type.
He put the three plants in the same conditions, but
changed the amount of fertilizer given to each plant.
He kept the plants for one week, then he measured how
much each plant grow.
No feltilizer 3 g fertilizer 7g fertilizer
O The results obtained are:
Amount of fertilizer (g) Plant growth (cm)
0 1
3 2
7 4
Conclusion: as the amount of fertilizer increases, as the
plant grow faster.
O Independent variable: amount of fertilizer used (g)
O Dependent variable: plant growth (cm)
O Control variables: same sunlight – same amount and
type of water – same type and size of plant – same time
to grow – same temperature.
Units of variables:
O
Graph
Variables v.s. Graphs
O To display the experimental results on a graph, we
should classify variables into two kinds:
Categoric or discrete Continuous
A categoric variable has A continuous variable has
values in words or symbols. values in numbers.
Therefore we draw a therefore we draw a
bar-chart . line graph.
Exercise # 1
O Tomas knows light is needed for photosynthesis. He
wants to find out what happens to photosynthesis in
different colored light.
He uses this equipment.
O Bubbles of gas are produced during photosynthesis.
O Tomas counts the number of bubbles produced in a
minute.
O Here are his results.
A- Find the following variables:
O Independent variable:
O Dependent variable:
O Three Control variable:
B- Represent the above results in the
table on a graph.
C- state why did you draw this type of
graph.
D- What conclusion can you make from
his results?
Exercise # 2
O Davinder investigates the reaction between magnesium
and hydrochloric acid. Magnesium chloride and
hydrogen gas are made.
O He uses this apparatus.
O The following table shows his results:
A- Find the following variables:
O Independent variable:
O Dependent variable:
O Three Control variables:
B- What do you conclude from his results?
C- Draw a graph to represent the results in the
table.
D- State why did you draw this type of graph.
E- What is the function of the gas
syringe that he used?
F- What safety precaution does Davinder
need to take? Explain your answer.
G- How could he make sure his results
are reliable?
