Chemistry IA

IB Chemistry §

• Measuring the Reaction Rate of Sucrose Inversion Using a Polarimeter

• Maximum 12 pages including references.

  • I don’t want to waste space.
  • So, it’s better not to include a title page or table of contents.

• Also, don’t include your name.

  • Don’t mention the name of your school either.

• Make sure to provide justification.

  • For example, if you use a t-test, explain why you chose that method.

• You mentioned being able to write about creating a mathematical model for your IA.

• When reading existing IAs, try to take the best representation methods from each.

  • For example, use this format for tables.

• Focus mainly on the Introduction, Reference, and Conclusion.

  • You might also need to do a risk assessment.
  • If you use a similar method but with some changes, make sure to reference it.

• The Conclusion is important for recording both existing and obtained data.

• Downie strongly recommends submitting the draft before the deadline.

Here are some notes from brainstorming:

• Topics I find interesting:

  • Lights
    • Polarization
      • Sugar solution concentration
      • Compare enantiomers with different structures and observe how rotation changes.
      • What variable should be used?
    • Refraction
      • Refractive index and molecular structure
  • Allotropes
    • Interested in how properties change significantly just by changing geometry.
    • IA:
      • Graphite
      • Not diamond
  • Geometry of molecules
    • Seems mathematical and interesting.
    • Macro or micro level?
    • IA: Predicting geometry based on volume/mole.
    • IA: Compare something (e.g., reaction speed) of different allotropes and explain how geometry affects it.
    • IB Course: Option A - Material Chemistry
    • Investigate:
      • Metal charges
      • Properties
      • Relationship between unit cells and properties
      • Database IA
        • Connect physical properties with chemical properties (electron configuration)
      • Two extremes (tungsten and mercury) with extreme melting points
        • How conductivity changes
      • Find data for the same temperature or state
    • Mathematical model of resistance and metal
  • Radiocarbon dating
    • Is mass spectrometry possible?
      • No, isotopes in chemistry are identical.
    • Or try using another method? (Kinetic Isotope Effect?)
      • IA: Calculate the isotope ratio using the change in XX (reaction speed)?
        • Unrealistic?

• What I can do:

  • Write code?
    • Use Graph Theory (Computer Science)?

• What I cannot do:

  • Topics related to biology
    • Biochemistry