Question

Melissa is testing the effects of different sand formations near beaches on wave patterns by making scale models and conducting a controlled experiment. In her investigation, which variable should be changed and which should be held constant?

A) Changed variable: shape of sand formations; Constant variable: amount of water, speed of waves
B) Changed variable: pattern of waves; Constant variable: shape of sand formation, amount of water
C) Changed variable: pattern of waves; Constant variable: speed of waves, amount of water
D) Changed variable: speed of waves; Constant variable: shape of sand formations, amount of water

Answer 1

In Melissa's experiment on wave patterns, the changed variable should be the shape of sand formations, while the amount of water and speed of waves should remain constant.

Step-by-step explanation:

Melissa is conducting an experiment to test the effects of different sand formations on wave patterns. In this experiment, the changed variable should be the shape of the sand formations, as Melissa intends to observe how various sand formation shapes influence wave behavior. On the other hand, the constant variables should include the amount of water and the speed of waves. These must remain unchanged to ensure that any observed effects on wave patterns can be directly attributed to the changes in sand formation shape, thereby ensuring a controlled experiment. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Changed variable: shape of sand formations; Constant variable: amount of water, speed of waves.