Subject: Science
Variables are causative factors connected to events or phenomena, either directly or indirectly. In scientific research, the relationship between the size of the causative factor and the size of the effect is crucial for accurate estimation. In experiments, variables are physical quantities that change or may change. A dependent variable is a variable that cannot be directly predicted or ascertained, such as the distance covered by a piece of paper. In experiments, the independent variable is the variable that determines the outcome, while the dependent variable is the value dependent on another variable. Controlled variables, on the other hand, are variables that are controlled during an experiment to ensure the validity, reliability, and accuracy of the results.
A scientific study consists of physical conditions, experiments, theories, models, and facts. It examines a range of natural objects in a methodical and structured manner. examines the various phenomena iteratively using empirical or quantifiable evidence and scientific methods. There are numerous causes for the many events and phenomena that have occurred in nature. A variable is a causative factor, attribute, or feature that is connected to an event or phenomenon, either directly or indirectly.
When we witness a phenomenon or change, we are naturally curious to learn about its causes, contributing variables, and effects. We are better able to predict the outcome of an action when we are curious. For example, we would like to know why a potted plant in the garden is wilted. Is it due to dehydration, excessive sun exposure, or something else entirely? We look for the effects of watering, fertilizing, and other actions on the plant while it is kept in the shade in order to determine the answer.
If we keep a plant in the shade on a hot day or forget to water it, we can easily guess what might happen to it thanks to the knowledge and experience we've gained from this kind of curiosity or interest. After that, we can take the required action to save it.
Every event or modification has a cause and an effect. In the previously mentioned example, wilting is the result of either too much sun or a shortage of water. The causative factors determine the effect. For instance, a plant's stem stiffness varies with its water content.
As a result, understanding the relationship between the size of the causative factor and the size of the effect is crucial for accurate estimation.Experiments can be used to establish this relationship. Establishing a relationship between different physical quantities is the job of a scientist in order to understand how nature functions.
In scientific research, one physical quantity's magnitude is changed, and the effects of this change are then observed in relation to other physical quantities. For instance, in the experiment mentioned above, we looked at how the rubber band's extension, or stretch, changed the paper bullet's travel distance. Here, the rubber band's extension and the bullet's trajectory are both physical quantities, and each experiment's results will vary in terms of their magnitude. Since their value or magnitude fluctuates over time, these physical quantities are known as variables. Variables of the experiment or research are the elements (physical quantities) that change or may change in an experiment. The variables in the experiment mentioned above are the rubber band's stretching and the paper bullet's distance traveled. In that experiment, it was also possible to alter the rubber band's thickness and the paper bullet's size. Consequently, these also constitute the research's variables.
For ease of writing, each variable has a name and a symbol that represents it. A mathematical formula is used to express the relationship between the variables. For instance, if the paper's length (e) and the rubber's extension (x) are both given, then the relation between them is x e.
Other examples of the variable types mentioned above are listed in the table below:
S.No. | Subject of Research | Independent Variable | Dependent Variable | Controlled Variable |
1. | Relationship between the rotating knob of a tap and the rate of flow of the water | Magnitude of rotation of knob (in degree) | Amount of water flow per minute (in liters) | Water Pressure |
2. | Relationship of electricity and magnetism in a solenoid | Amount of electric current (in amperes) | Number of pinsattracted by the electromagnet | Number of turns in the solenoid, size of the pin |
3. | Effect of heat on the solubility of sugar | Temperature of water (in degree celsius) | Amount of completely dissolved sugar in water (in grams) | Amount of water ( always 100 grams) |
4. | The immediate effect of physical exercise on the heartbeat | Duration of physical exercise (in minutes) | Number of Heartbeats | Types of physical exercise, the interval between the end of exercise , and count of heartbeats |
Things to be Considered About Variables
© 2021 Saralmind. All Rights Reserved.