Please describe a constant in an experiment.
something that does not change. For example it might be the ratio of weight to mass on earth.
Could that really be an experiment?
Sure
F = m a
on a flat horizontal greasy table pull an object with a spring and measure the force and acceleration
then mass * a = measured force
or mass = measured force/measured a
now hang the mass from the same spring and measure the force
we know the mass from our earlier experiment
so
measured Force = weight = mass * something
that something will be the same for various sized and densities of objects as I repeat the experiment
we call it the constant g which on earth is about 9.81 m/s^2
On Moon that constant will be about one sixth of its value on earth
BUT
Newton says they are related by a more general constant, the Gravitational constant G
where
F = G M1 M2 / distance between^2
In the context of scientific experiments, a constant is a factor or variable that is deliberately kept consistent throughout the experiment. It is a value that remains unchanged or fixed, serving as a reference point or control to compare and evaluate the effects of other variables. Constants are specifically introduced to isolate the effects of independent variables and ensure that any observed changes or outcomes in the experiment can be attributed to those variables alone.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to identify and establish constants in an experiment:
1. Understand the purpose: Determine the objective of your experiment and the variables you seek to investigate. This will help you identify which factors need to remain constant.
2. Identify independent variables: Independent variables are the factors that you intentionally manipulate or change during the experiment. These are typically denoted as the focus of investigation or the factors you suspect might have an effect on the outcome.
3. Determine potential constants: Review your experiment and consider any factors or variables that should remain consistent throughout the process. Examples of potential constants include temperature, lighting conditions, time durations, equipment used, pH levels, or concentration of substances.
4. Clearly define constants: Once you have identified potential constants, ensure that they are specifically stated and documented in your experiment plan or procedure. This ensures that you maintain consistency and control over these factors during data collection.
5. Control procedures: Implement appropriate control procedures to ensure the constant values are maintained. For example, if temperature is a constant, use a thermostat to regulate and monitor it throughout the entire experiment.
By ensuring the presence of constants in an experiment, you create a controlled environment, which allows you to accurately measure the impact of the independent variables on the dependent variables, leading to reliable and valid scientific conclusions.