what is an independent variable compared to a dependent

An independent variable is the variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable. It is the variable you have control over, what you can choose and manipulate. It is usually what you think will affect the dependent variable.

On the other hand, a dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment. The dependent variable responds to the independent variable. It is called dependent because it "depends" on the independent variable.

In other words, the independent variable is the cause. Its value is independent of other variables in your study. The dependent variable is the effect. Its value depends on changes in the independent variable.