In chemistry class, Allen determined the effectiveness of various metals in releasing hydrogen gas from hydrochloric acid. Several weeks later, Allen read that a utilities company was burying lead next to iron pipes to prevent rusting. Allen hypothesized that less rusting would occur with the more active metals. He placed the following into 4 separate beakers of water: (a) 1 iron nail, (b) 1 iron nail wrapped with an aluminum strip, (c) 1 iron nail wrapped with a magnesium strip, and (d) 1 iron nail wrapped with a lead strip. He used the same amount of water, equal amounts (mass) of the metals, and the same type of iron nails. At the end of 5 days, he rated the amount of rusting as small, moderate, or large. He also recorded the color of the water. What is the independent variable? a) the amount of water
b) the metals strips
c) amount of rust
d) hydrochloric acid