Question

An experiment is designed to determine the launch angle that will give a projectile the greatest range (make it go the longest distance). The "launcher" is a slingshot type apparatus that is spring-loaded and released by a trigger. For each trial, the same painted rock is retrieved and launched. Measurements are taken linearly from the launch site to the landing site. The trials were done on a windless day. Which of the following is the dependent variable?

Answer 1

The terminology is somewhat arbitrary, however, In this case, you intentionally alter the angle, which then determines the resulting distance. The presumption of the experiment is that distance is DEPENDENT on the angle. The dependent variable will be the how far the rock went. The dependent variable is the variable that you are testing. The first sentence of description indicates that the experiment is to determine launch Θ vs range.The largest range value is to be determined, so the range is plotted on the Y-axis. Angle Θ is plotted on the X-axis. The distance depends on the launch of the angle so the answer will be (D) how far the rock went. It is the dependent variable.