Final answer:
In a graphing and measurement experiment, the independent variable is the one manipulated by the researcher to study its effects on the dependent variable. For example, it could be the type or concentration of a substance whose effect on the melting point of ice is being investigated.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of a graphing and measurement experiment within a chemistry lab, the independent variable is the variable that the experimenter manipulates to determine its effects on the dependent variable. For instance, if we consider an experiment where different substances are tested to see how they affect the melting point of ice, the type or concentration of the substance added to the ice can be deemed the independent or manipulated variable. The experimenter changes this variable to observe how it affects the dependent variable, which in this case would be the melting point of the ice.
The dependent variable is what is measured in the experiment and is expected to change as a result of the manipulation of the independent variable. In the example above, the dependent variable would be the time it takes for the ice to melt or the final temperature of the melted ice, assuming that the type or concentration of the substance applied is the independent variable. It is important to control other variables that could affect the outcome, such as the temperature of the environment where the ice is placed, to ensure the results are due to the manipulation of the independent variable only.