25. Which of the following was the dependent variable in this investigation?
Answer: B
The flight distance was the dependent variable in this investigation.
In this investigation, the flight distance represents the dependent variable, as it is the outcome that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable.
A) The wingspan
The wingspan is not the dependent variable; rather, it could be considered an independent variable if it is being manipulated to observe its effect on flight distance. The wingspan itself does not serve as the outcome of the investigation.
B) The flight distance
The flight distance is the dependent variable because it is the measurement that reflects the effect of the independent variables being tested. This variable changes based on the experimental conditions set in the investigation.
C) The stopwatch
The stopwatch is a tool used to measure time, but it does not represent a variable in the investigation. It serves as a means to assist in conducting the experiment rather than being a measurable outcome.
D) The tape measure
The tape measure is another tool, utilized for measuring distance, but it is not a variable within the context of the investigation. It aids in determining the flight distance but does not itself constitute an outcome being measured.
Conclusion
The flight distance is definitively the dependent variable as it is the primary outcome being measured to assess the effects of any changes made during the investigation. All other options, such as wingspan, stopwatch, and tape measure, do not fulfill the role of a dependent variable since they either describe other factors or serve as tools in the experiment.