Question

Five groups of ten mice each were exposed to different concentrations of Chemical X for 8 hours. After eight hours, the number of dead mice per group was counted and plotted on a graph. What is the DEPENDENT variable on the graph?

A) Concentration of Chemical X
B) Number of Dead Mice
C) Time of Exposure
D) The groups of mice

Answer 1

The dependent variable in the experiment with five groups of ten mice exposed to different concentrations of Chemical X is the number of dead mice, as it is the outcome that is measured in response to the independent variable (Chemical X concentration).

Step-by-step explanation:

In the experiment described, the dependent variable is the variable that is observed and expected to change as a result of manipulation of the independent variable. In a typical experimental setup, the dependent variable is represented on the y-axis of a graph. In this case, the number of dead mice is the dependent variable because it is the outcome that changes in response to varying concentrations of Chemical X. Thus, the correct answer to the question regarding the graph is B) Number of Dead Mice.

A dependent variable is a component of the experimental design that is affected by the independent variable, which in this scenario is the concentration of Chemical X. It's important to recognize this relationship to interpret experimental data accurately. In contrast, an independent variable such as time or concentration is the variable that the researcher controls or changes to observe its effect on the dependent variable.