Question

a test shows strong repulsion between two magnets. the student wants to repeat the test but isolate the variable of magnet strength. which revised setup isolates that variable correctly? keep magnets in the same orientation but switch one magnet to a weaker one; flip one magnet so opposite poles face; move the magnets closer together; increase friction on the surface

Explanation:

To isolate the variable of magnet strength, all other variables (like magnet orientation, distance between magnets, surface friction) must stay constant, while only the strength of one magnet is changed. The first option keeps orientation (which affects repulsion) the same, and only swaps one magnet for a weaker one, directly targeting magnet strength as the isolated variable. The other options change different variables: pole orientation, distance, and friction, which do not isolate magnet strength.

Answer:

Keep magnets in the same orientation but switch one magnet to a weaker one