Final answer:
An experiment is a controlled scientific investigation intended to observe the effects of one variable (the independent variable) on another (the dependent variable), such as applying fertilizer to plants to measure growth. The independent variable is manipulated, while the dependent variable is measured, and other potential influential factors are kept constant to ensure the accuracy of results.
Step-by-step explanation:
An experiment is a type of scientific investigation conducted under controlled conditions. In such an experiment, a scientist manipulates one variable, known as the independent variable, to observe its effects on another variable, which is the dependent variable. For example, in an experiment to understand plant growth, a scientist may apply different amounts of fertilizer to plants (independent variable) and measure the resultant growth (dependent variable). It is crucial to include a control group where no changes are made to the independent variable, to establish a baseline for comparison. Other factors that might affect the dependent variable, which are called control variables, must be kept constant to ensure that only the effects of the independent variable are being measured. This approach helps in confirming or rejecting a hypothesis by providing clear data on the relationship between the variables involved.
In the context provided, the independent variable might be the type of gel used to grow bacteria, and the dependent variable would be the amount of bacterial growth observed after 24 hours. Thus, the main goal of an experiment is to isolate and identify the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable, providing insights into causal relationships