ExpertEasy1 markMultiple Choice
AQA GCSE · Question 03.2.1 · Forces
The force pulling on the trolley was increased so that the trolley accelerated. The force was then kept constant and different masses were put on the trolley. For each different mass the acceleration of the trolley was measured.
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Which of these is the independent variable?
The force pulling on the trolley was increased so that the trolley accelerated. The force was then kept constant and different masses were put on the trolley. For each different mass the acceleration of the trolley was measured.
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Which of these is the independent variable?
Answer options:
A.
Acceleration of the trolley
B.
Length of the bench
C.
Total mass of the trolley
D.
Force pulling on the trolley
How to approach this question
The independent variable is the one that the investigator *changes* on purpose. The dependent variable is the one that is *measured* to see the effect of the change. Read the description of the experiment to identify which variable was changed.
Full Answer
C.Total mass of the trolley✓ Correct
Total mass of the trolley
In a scientific investigation:
- The **independent variable** is the one you change. The description says "different masses were put on the trolley".
- The **dependent variable** is the one you measure. The description says "the acceleration of the trolley was measured".
- **Control variables** are the ones you keep the same. The description says "The force was then kept constant".
Therefore, the total mass of the trolley is the independent variable.
Common mistakes
✗ Confusing independent and dependent variables. The dependent variable *depends* on the independent one.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier Paper 2
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