Which is the dependent and which is the independent?

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In a lab focusing on net force versus acceleration, the discussion centers on identifying the dependent and independent variables. Net force is considered the independent variable, as it is controlled by the experimenter, while acceleration is the dependent variable, as it changes in response to the net force applied. The equation F=ma illustrates this relationship, where acceleration can also be expressed as a = F/m. The key takeaway is that the independent variable is what you manipulate, and the dependent variable is what you measure. Understanding these roles is crucial for accurately interpreting experimental results.
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I am conducting a lab in my class and was wondering, which is the dependant 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?
 
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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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