Question

an engineer tests three new ceramic parts, each of which could potentially replace a steel part inside an automotive engine. the three parts, identical in size, are each made of a different ceramic compound. the parts are heated to the same temperature and placed under the same stress loads. at the end of the test, the engineer concludes part b is the best for the job. what was the independent variable in this test? the composition of the parts dimensions of the parts dimensions of the parts the engine used to test the parts

Explanation:

An independent variable is the factor that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment. In this case, the engineer is testing three ceramic parts made of different ceramic compounds (composition). The size (dimensions) of the parts and the engine used for testing are kept the same (controlled variables). The composition of the parts is what is being varied to see its effect on the performance (which leads to the conclusion that Part B is best).

Answer:

the composition of the parts