Classifying Variables

Several famous experiments have been described below, and some important
variables listed. For each variable, answer first if it is the independent, dependent or
control variable in the experiment. Then decide if it is continuous, discrete,
categoric or ordered.

Rutherford Scattering

In 1911, Ernest Rutherford performed an experiment to investigate the structure of

the atom. He fired energetic alpha particles at foil made from various metals, and
measured the angle of deflection of the particles as they came out the other side. To
his great surprise, many of them were actually deflected by huge angles (sometimes
more than 90 degrees).

(eg) Type of metal Independent, Categoric

(1) Angle of deflection

(2) Type of particle fired

(3) Distance to foil

Diffraction of Electrons through a Double-Slit

Inspired by Louis de Broglie’s theories, Davisson and Germer in 1927 demonstrated

that sometimes electrons can show wave-like properties – they behave very
strangely indeed. They fired electrons through a double slit (two slits next to each
other) and observed the pattern that emerged on the other side, measuring the
distance between the peaks of activity. They varied the distance between the
double-slits.

(1) Number of slits used

(2) Distance between slits

(3) Type of particle fired

(4) Distance between the peaks

Galileo’s Experiments with Falling Objects

In the late 1500s, Galileo Galilei demonstrated one of the most important principles
of Science: never trust what other people have told you. For centuries, people
believed that heavier objects fall to Earth faster than light ones. However, this is not
the case, as he demonstrated by dropping objects from the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
He dropped objects of various masses from the top of the tower and measured how
long it took for them to fall to ground.

(1) Mass of the object

(2) Height dropped

(3) Time taken to fall

(4) Planet where experiment was done

Doppler Experiments with Trains and Trumpets

In 1845, Christian Doppler arranged to have trumpets playing from a passing train,
keep their pitch constant. The ground-observed pitch was higher than that played
when the train was approaching, and lower than that played when the train was
moving away.

(1) Note played

(2) Frequency of sound observed

(3) Velocity of approach/recession

(4) Musical instrument used

Marconi’s Communication Breakthrough

Guglielmo Marconi demonstrated in 1895 that a signal could be transmitted using

Radio Waves, even if there was an object in the way. This discovery later led to all
kinds of technological breakthroughs, including Live TV, Mobile Phones and Satellite
Navigation. He sent various signals to his servant, who was 3km away. He varied the
wavelength of the signal he sent and recorded the strength with which the signal
was received.

(1) Distance to his servant

(2) Wavelength of signal transmitted

(3) Size of obstacle in the way

(4) Strength of signal received