When Nellie hangs at rest by a pair of ropes, the tensions in the ropes

the independent variable, the one that is intentionally manipulated, is whether or not the car hits the barrier.

the dependent variable, the one that you measure the response in, is the distance that the washers travel.

there is no correct list among the choices you've provided.

the list might look something like this:

-- baby human

-- piccolo

-- flute

-- soprano singer

-- trumpet

-- tenor singer

-- trombone

-- baritone singer

-- baritone horn

-- bass singer

-- tuba

since i had to make up the list myself, i made it easy on myself, and i didn't try to shuffle the string instruments and woodwinds into it too.