As a person cycling increases speed, the rate of calories burned, distance traveled, and energy expended also increase. Which of the following is the independent variable?
A.
Energy
B.
Calories
C.
Speed
D.
Distance
The correct answer is:
C. Speed
Explanation:
- Independent Variable: The independent variable is the variable that is manipulated or changed to observe its effect on other variables. In this scenario, the speed of cycling is the factor being changed or increased.
- Dependent Variables: The dependent variables are the ones that are observed to change in response to the independent variable. Here, the rate of calories burned, distance traveled, and energy expended are dependent on the speed of cycling.
Therefore, C. Speed is the independent variable because it is the factor that influences the other variables (calories burned, distance traveled, and energy expended).