Question

What is a control variable in a science experiment?

Answer 1

A control variable in a science experiment is a variable that is kept constant or unchanged throughout the experiment. The purpose of a control variable is to provide a basis for comparison with the other variables in the experiment, which are being tested or manipulated. By keeping the control variable constant, scientists can isolate the effects of the other variables on the outcome of the experiment.

For example, in a study investigating the effect of different fertilizers on plant growth, the type of soil, amount of water, and amount of sunlight might be controlled variables. These variables are kept constant across all experimental groups to ensure that any differences in plant growth are due to the differences in fertilizer types being tested.

A well-designed experiment will typically have one or more control variables to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

In a science experiment, a control variable is a variable that is kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure that any observed changes or effects are due to the manipulated variable or independent variable. The control variable is used as a basis for comparison to determine if the changes observed in the experiment are due to the independent variable or if they occur naturally or due to some other external factor.

Explanation by example:

For example, in an experiment to test the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth, the control variable may be the type of plant, the size of the pot, the amount of water, the temperature, or any other factors that could potentially affect the growth of the plant. By keeping these factors constant and only varying the amount of fertilizer used, the experimenter can determine if any observed changes in plant growth are due to the fertilizer or if they are due to other factors.

Controlling for variables in an experiment helps to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results and allows the experimenter to draw valid conclusions from the data.