The Impact of Different Breakfast Meals on Athlete Performance

a) What is the independent variable in this experiment?

Breakfast meals consumed by Jason

b) What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Jason's performance in the 100-meter freestyle

c) What is a reasonable explanation for why Jason performed better after eating breakfast #1 and breakfast #2 compared to breakfasts 3, 4, and 5?

The nutritional composition of the meals

Final answer:

The independent variable is the different breakfast meals consumed, the dependent variable is Jason's performance in the 100-meter freestyle as measured by swim time, and a reasonable explanation for his better performance after eating breakfast #1 and #2 could be the nutritional composition of those meals.

a) The independent variable in this experiment is the different breakfast meals that Jason consumes.

b) The dependent variable in this experiment is Jason's performance in the 100-meter freestyle, as measured by his swim time.

c) A reasonable explanation for why Jason performed better after eating breakfast #1 and breakfast #2 compared to breakfasts 3, 4, and 5 could be the nutritional composition of those meals. Breakfast #1 and breakfast #2 contain whole wheat toast, eggs, banana, egg whites, spinach, strawberries, and non-fat Greek yogurt, which provide a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. These nutrients can help fuel Jason's body and provide him with the necessary energy for optimal performance. On the other hand, breakfasts 3, 4, and 5 contain less nutritious options like frosted flakes, mini donuts, Pop-tart, cinnamon rolls, pancakes with butter and syrup, and whipped cream, which might not provide sustained energy or the necessary nutrients for athletic performance.