Variables
Science: KS3, topic 4.1.6
Variables
There are lots of factors that can change in an experiment. The factors need to be monitored closely to analyse your data. The factors need to be monitored closely to explain your results.
Types of variables
- There are three types of variables:
- Independent variables
- Dependent variables
- Control variables
Independent variable
- The independent variable is the variable that you change in an experiment.
Dependent variable
- The dependent variable is the variable that is measured in an experiment.
Control variables
- Control variables are the variables that are kept the same in an experiment.
- Control variables help you to measure the influence of the independent variable.
Test yourself on Variables
Which variable should be measured in an experiment?
A scientist heats water to different temperatures and times how long it takes a sugar cube to dissolve. They use the same amount of water and the same size of sugar cube every time. Why do they keep the amount of water the same in every test?