Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
The independent variable is the factor that the scientist changes or manipulates in an experiment. In this case, the scientist tested the insulation properties of different materials by wrapping each beaker in a different material. Therefore, the independent variable in this experiment is the type of material used to wrap the beaker.
To clarify, the scientist changed the independent variable by using four different materials: A, B, C, and D to wrap each beaker. The purpose of this manipulation was to observe and compare the insulation abilities of these different materials. By altering the independent variable, the scientist can investigate its effect on the dependent variable, which is the temperature of the water in the beakers.
It's important to note that the scientist kept the other factors constant (such as the beakers, the volume of water, and the initial temperature) to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable were solely due to the variation in the independent variable. This control of variables allows for a more accurate assessment of the insulation properties of each material.