Francisco's controlled variables ensure experimental precision, while measurements of water mass and melting time as dependent variables enable a comprehensive assessment of how ice shape impacts melting rates.
In Francisco's experiment, the controlled variables, namely air humidity and the initial temperature of water, are critical elements kept constant to maintain consistency and isolate the impact of the independent variable—the shape of the ice.
By controlling air humidity, Francisco ensures that external moisture levels do not interfere with the ice melting process. Simultaneously, maintaining a constant initial water temperature helps eliminate potential variations due to different starting conditions.
To measure the impact of the independent variable, Francisco will collect data on the mass of the water after the ice has melted and the time taken for complete melting. These variables serve as dependent measures, reflecting how alterations in the shape of the ice influence the rate of melting.
The mass of water after melting gauges the overall amount of ice melted, while the time for complete melting provides insights into the temporal aspect of the process. Analyzing these dependent variables will allow Francisco to draw conclusions about how different ice shapes affect the rate at which they melt.
Air Humidity | Initial Mass of Ice | Initial Surface Area of Water | Initial Temperature | Mass of Melted Water | Time for Ice to Melt
-------------|----------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------|----------------------|----------------------
Controlled | Sample 1 | Sample 1 | Controlled | Dependent Variable | Dependent Variable
Variable | Sample 2 | Sample 2 | |