Which is the dependent and which is the independent?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying dependent and independent variables in the context of a lab experiment involving net force and acceleration, referencing the equation F=ma.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between net force and acceleration, questioning which variable is dependent and which is independent. There is a focus on the implications of the formula F=ma and how it relates to their experimental setup.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying their understanding of independent and dependent variables. Some express confusion about their control over the variables and how that relates to the formula, indicating a productive exploration of the topic without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of the participants' control over the variables during the experiment and how that influences their understanding of independence and dependence in the context of the formula used.

sph
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I am conducting a lab in my class and was wondering, which is the dependent and independent variable and also which one goes on the y or x axis. It is a net force vs acceleration. I am thinking that net force is the independent variable.
 
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Think about it, which one depends on the other. The equation is F=ma, so which one depends on the other variable in your experiment?
 
Last edited:
so force depends on acceleration!
 
Independent variables are the "inputs" to the experiment, the ones that you have control of. You set up an experiment and vary the independent variables to see what happens.

The dependent variables are the measured effects or results of the settings of the independent variables.
 
I am confused, I had control of the force. But when I look at the formula F=ma I think that acceleration is the independent variable.
 
sph said:
I am confused, I had control of the force. But when I look at the formula F=ma I think that acceleration is the independent variable.

Formulas can be rearranged; it's only math :smile:

a = F/m is the same relationship.

What matters is what variables you had a "handle on" when you did the experiment (the independent variables), and what values were measured (what depends upon the things you tinkered with).
 
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