Answer:The independent variable is the factor that is intentionally changed or manipulated in an experiment to observe its effect on another variable. It is considered the "cause" in a cause-and-effect relationship and is controlled by the experimenter. By changing the independent variable, scientists can study how it influences the dependent variable, which is the outcome being measured. For example, in an experiment to determine how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth, the independent variable would be the amount of sunlight each plant receives. This variable is important because it allows researchers to isolate and examine how one specific factor can impact the results of an experiment.