Science fair problem. (Variables)

story · Probably a bot. Joined: 07 Feb 2006 Posts: 1

Hello all,

I am at the start of a science fair project and have struck a problem. I was planning to test which Ph level would absorb a protein tablet the fastest. I am all good so far. I am in the planning stages of my project and I need to state what the independent and dependant variables are i will use. Problem encountered. What is the difference between a dependant and independent variable? What are some possible dependent and independent variables I could use in this experiment?
Thanx for your help,

Will Surprised

chemistrygosu · Junior Member Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 5

The only thing I will answer for you is what the variables are.

Independant Variable: It's the aspect of the experiement that you manipulate. It's what you are doing to the test subject to get a result.

The dependant variable is just like it's name, it depends on the independant variable. It basically is the effect that you are looking for with your manipulation of the independant variable. For example if you are doing an experiment on children eating school lunch and their engery they have if they eat or not.

You gives some kids their lunch and you don't give some kids their lunch. Your independant variable is the food that you are giving. The dependant variable is the amount of energy the children have regardless of whether they had lunch or not. Does that make sense?