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What is a independent variable and a dependent variable?

My science project is on acid rain. I have to use like 5 different solutions to see what the affects would be on limestone pieces. Please help. And like what the pH value is. HELP ME! ahhhhhh.

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  • Brisk
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    Basically, the dependent variable depends on the independent variable (it changes when you change your independent variable).

    In labs, the independent variable is something that you choose/can control (you'll know before doing the actual lab), while the dependent variable is something that you have to observe (by doing the actual lab).

    So, which variable did you (or your teacher) choose? The 5 different solutions, right? In other words, you can control which solutions you use because you yourself chose them. So these are your independent variables.

    The pH values, on the other hand, are dependent. These measurements depend on which solutions you use because each solution has a different effect on the limestone pieces. You have to observe/record these pH values while doing the lab.

    ----------- --------------- ----------------- ------------------ ---------------- ---------------- ---------------------

    Drawing graphs to show your data:

    When you draw a graph, the independent variables will always be on the x-axis and the dependent variables on the y-axis. So, label your x-axis as "Solutions" your y-axis as "pH values".

    Example: http://misterguch.brinkster.net/graph.html

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    One like depends on something.......and the other doesn't!

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