Question

a group of students made measurements of the depth and width of craters formed by dropping marbles into a container of flour from varying heights.

drop height	crater depth	crater diameter
50 cm	1.1 cm	2.5 cm
100 cm	1.5 cm	3.2 cm
200 cm	2.1 cm	4.8 cm

which of the following is an accurate description of the data?

• drop height represents the independent variable
• crater depth represents the independent variable
• crater diameter represents the independent variable
• both crater depth and crater height are independent variables

Explanation:

In an experiment, the independent variable is the factor intentionally changed by the experimenter. Here, the students varied the drop height, and measured how crater depth and diameter changed in response. These measured values (crater depth, diameter) are dependent variables, as they depend on the drop height.

Answer:

drop height represents the independent variable