Name: _______________________________________ Class: B/ G/ O/ YA/ YB
HW#4 Variables in a controlled Experiment
Given 8.24.15 Due on 8.27.15
Answer key
Base your answers to questions 1 and 2 on the diagram and information
below and on your knowledge of science. The diagram shows an experiment
conducted to see how quickly water moves through different- size particles of the
same substance.
[June10Q46-47]
Two identical columns contained equal volumes of different size particles. The
same amount of water was added to the top of each column. A student timed how
long it took for the water in each column to reach the wire screen. The data table
below shows the results.
1.2 seconds is
faster than 5
seconds
1. List two variables that were held constant in this experiment.
1. The identical columns
2. Equal volumes of different size particles
3. Same amount of water added
2. State one conclusion based on this experiment.
It could be concluded that the water took less time to travel through the large particles. This
shows that the large particles had more gaps than the small particles. It took the water longer
to travel through the small particles.
[Spring09Q82-88]
An experiment was done to study the amount of capillary action that occurs in a certain
type of paper towel. Capillary action is the upward movement of liquid through tiny spaces. A strip of
paper towel was held with one end in a glass of water. The water height in the towel was recorded
every five seconds. Three trials were done using the same type of towel. The diagram shows the
experimental setup and the data table shows the results of the experiment.
What was
measured
What was
changed
1. Identify the dependent (responding/measured) variable in this experiment:
The height of the water in the paper towel
2. Identify the independent (manipulated/ changed) variable in this experiment:
The time the paper towel was in the water