Question

1. which situation best shows causation?

the number of ice - cream bars sold affects the number of milkshakes sold.
the number of soccerballs a team owns affects the number of games the team wins during the soccer season.
the length of a rectangle affects the width of the rectangle.
the amount of time a cell phone is used affects the charge of its battery.
clear all

Explanation:

Causation means one thing directly causes another. Let's analyze each option:

• For "The number of ice - cream bars sold affects the number of milkshakes sold", there is no direct causal link. People might buy one or the other based on preference, not because one causes the other.
• For "The number of soccerballs a team owns affects the number of games the team wins during the soccer season", the number of soccerballs is not a direct cause of wins. Skill, strategy, etc., are more relevant.
• For "The length of a rectangle affects the width of the rectangle", length and width are independent dimensions (except when area is fixed, but the option doesn't mention that).
• For "The amount of time a cell phone is used affects the charge of its battery", using the phone (a cause) directly drains the battery (an effect).

Answer:

The amount of time a cell phone is used affects the charge of its battery.