8.1.1Additional lessons
Exploring in Chemistry — IB Chemistry HL Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 5 parts Lesson 167 of 172
Curriculum Equation Key قوانين الرقم الهيدروجيني والاتزان الأيوني - pH & Acid-Base Equilibrium FormulasFast Exam Solution
pH = -log[H⁺] | pOH = -log[OH⁻] | pH + pOH = 14 | [H⁺][OH⁻] = 10⁻¹⁴
Word Equation & Conditions: الرقم الهيدروجيني = -لوغاريتم تركيز أيون الهيدروجين | pH + pOH = 14
Location & Specifications: الاتزان الأيوني، كيمياء 3 ثانوي، التحصيلي، و AP Chemistry.
Section 1 of 5Choosing a Topic
The exploring stage sets up everything that follows in an investigation.
Interest and link
- Interest and link Choose a topic that links to the syllabus and that you can investigate with equipment that is actually available.
Narrow the focus
- Narrow the focus A broad idea such as corrosion is narrowed to one relationship, such as how salt concentration affects the rate of rusting.
Feasibility
- Feasibility Check that the experiment is possible in the time available, with safe materials and measurements that can be made accurately.
Originality
- Originality Personal engagement, such as adapting a familiar method to a new context, makes the investigation more meaningful.
Section 2 of 5Writing a Research Question
Writing a Research Question
Variables
- Variables A good question names the independent and dependent variables and the relationship between them.
Specific
- Specific It states the system studied and the range of conditions, for example temperatures between 20 °C and 60 °C.
Measurable
- Measurable The dependent variable must be something that can be measured, such as time, volume, mass, absorbance or pH.
Focused
- Focused It can be answered by an experiment and not by looking up a fact.
Section 3 of 5Background Research
1
Read reliable sources, such as textbooks and scientific publications, and record where each fact was found.
2
Identify the chemical theory that explains why the independent variable should affect the dependent variable.
3
Search for similar published methods and note their conditions and any known difficulties.
4
Use this theory to write a prediction that states the expected trend and explains it with chemistry.
5
Run short preliminary trials to find suitable ranges, quantities and timings.
Section 4 of 5Safety, Ethics and the Environment
Risk assessment
- Risk assessment List each chemical and procedure, identify the hazards and describe how the risk will be reduced.
Ethical issues
- Ethical issues Experiments involving living organisms or people need ethical approval, and data must be reported honestly.
Environmental impact
- Environmental impact Use small quantities, avoid toxic heavy metals where possible and plan the correct disposal of waste.
Academic honesty
- Academic honesty Cite every source and write the background in your own words.
Section 5 of 5Exam Checklist & Tips
8.1.1 – Key Points for the Exam
- Research question A focused question naming the variables whose relationship will be investigated.
- Hypothesis A testable prediction supported by chemical theory.
- Preliminary trial A quick test used to decide ranges and quantities before the main experiment.
- Feasibility Whether an investigation can be completed safely with the time and equipment available.
- Risk assessment A list of hazards and the steps taken to reduce the risk.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a research question that is too broad, so no clear measurement or conclusion can come from it.
- Writing a prediction with no chemical explanation behind it.
- Skipping preliminary trials, which often leads to results that are all too similar or too extreme.
- Copying background explanations from sources instead of writing them in your own words.
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