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8.1.1Additional lessons

Exploring in Chemistry — IB Chemistry HL Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 5 parts Lesson 167 of 172

📚 IB Chemistry HL Hub / Topical Revision
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Part 1 of 5Choosing a Topic

8.1.1 Exploring in Chemistry

The exploring stage sets up everything that follows in an investigation.

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
  • A broad idea such as corrosion is narrowed to one relationship, such as how salt concentration affects the rate of rusting.
Feasibility
  • Check that the experiment is possible in the time available, with safe materials and measurements that can be made accurately.
Originality
  • Personal engagement, such as adapting a familiar method to a new context, makes the investigation more meaningful.

Part 2 of 5Writing a Research Question

Writing a Research Question
Variables
  • A good question names the independent and dependent variables and the relationship between them.
Specific
  • It states the system studied and the range of conditions, for example temperatures between 20 °C and 60 °C.
Measurable
  • The dependent variable must be something that can be measured, such as time, volume, mass, absorbance or pH.
Focused
  • It can be answered by an experiment and not by looking up a fact.

Part 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.

Part 4 of 5Safety, Ethics and the Environment

Risk assessment
  • List each chemical and procedure, identify the hazards and describe how the risk will be reduced.
Ethical issues
  • Experiments involving living organisms or people need ethical approval, and data must be reported honestly.
Environmental impact
  • Use small quantities, avoid toxic heavy metals where possible and plan the correct disposal of waste.
Academic honesty
  • Cite every source and write the background in your own words.

Part 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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