Question

scientists rely on data to describe nature and uncover relationships. the raw data - measurements taken in the lab - are most useful when they are organized in a way that makes the relationships clear. in this activity you will explore two common ways that scientists organize data to help in analysis. model 1 - copper samples group number volume (cm³) mass (g) substance 1 2.0 17.92 copper 2 6.0 50.89 copper 3 10.0 93.45 copper 4 8.0 79.30 copper 5 14.0 125.44 copper 6 4.0 39.80 copper 7 12.0 103.85 copper room temperature: 21.7 °c 1. what substance were the students working with to obtain the data in model 1? 2. what variables did the students measure to produce the data in model 1? 3. briefly describe an experiment that the class might have done on the day that the data in model 1 was collected. discuss your answer with your group members to be sure there is consensus. 4. consider the data in model 1. a. which variable was the independent variable in the experiment, and why do you think it was the independent variable? b. which variable was the dependent variable in the experiment, and why do you think it was the dependent variable? c. list two controlled variables in the experiment?

Explanation:

1. The substance is clearly labeled as copper in the "Substance" column of the table.
2. The table has columns for "Volume" and "Mass", which are the variables measured.
3. A possible experiment could be measuring the mass of different - sized (volumes) pieces of copper at a constant room temperature. This helps in understanding the relationship between volume and mass for copper.

4a. Volume is the independent variable because it is the variable that is deliberately changed or controlled in the experiment. Different volumes of copper are selected, and then the mass is measured.
4b. Mass is the dependent variable as its value depends on the volume of the copper sample. As the volume changes, the mass changes accordingly.
4c. Room temperature is a controlled variable as it is kept constant (21.7°C) during the experiment. Also, the type of substance (copper) is kept the same throughout the experiment.

Answer:

1. Copper
2. Mass and volume
3. Measure the mass of copper samples with different volumes at a constant room - temperature of 21.7°C.

4a. Volume; it is deliberately changed.
4b. Mass; its value depends on the volume.
4c. Room temperature, type of substance (copper)