Final answer:
An experiment tests the relationship between an independent variable (manipulated) and a dependent variable (measured). Mass could be an independent variable affecting force in a controlled acceleration environment. Similarly, force could be manipulated to observe its effect on acceleration while maintaining constant mass.
Step-by-step explanation:
An experiment is designed to test the relationship between specific variables. In such an experiment, the independent variable is the one that is manipulated by the experimenter, while the dependent variable is the one that is observed and measured as a response.
For example, to design an experiment to test the relationship between mass and force, where acceleration is constant, the mass would be the independent variable, and the force would be the dependent variable. To ensure constant acceleration, you could use a frictionless track or an air table and precise timing methods to measure the force at different masses.
In an experiment testing the relationship between force and acceleration, where the mass is constant, the independent variable would be the force applied, and the dependent variable would be the acceleration. Keeping the mass constant would involve using the same object throughout the experiment.
The distinction between these variables is crucial as the independent variable is the one changed to observe an effect on the dependent variable. Control variables are also essential as they are the constants in an experiment which help in isolating the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable.