Question

Disappearing Rocks In this experiment, you'll use the scientific method to investigate how different concentrations of acid dissolve limestone chips. You'll soak the limestone chips in varying concentrations of acetic acid, commonly known as vinegar, which has a pH of 2. You'll measure the mass of the rocks before and after soaking in the acid and then calculate how much rock is the independent and dependent variable.

a) The independent variable is the concentration of acetic acid, and the dependent variable is the mass of the rocks.
b) The independent variable is the mass of the rocks, and the dependent variable is the concentration of acetic acid.
c) The independent variable is the pH of the acetic acid, and the dependent variable is the mass of the rocks.
d) The independent variable is the temperature of the solution, and the dependent variable is the color of the rocks.

Answer 1

In the limestone and acetic acid experiment, the concentration of acetic acid is the independent variable, and the mass of the rocks is the dependent variable.

Step-by-step explanation:

When conducting an experiment using the scientific method, it's crucial to understand the role of independent and dependent variables. The independent variable is the variable that is intentionally changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable. In contrast, the dependent variable is the variable being measured or tested in response to changes in the independent variable. In the scenario of dissolving limestone chips in acetic acid, the independent variable is the concentration of acetic acid, and the dependent variable is the mass of the limestone chips that is measured before and after the experiment. The correct answer to the student's question is therefore (a): The independent variable is the concentration of acetic acid, and the dependent variable is the mass of the rocks.