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Act as an IB Chemistry IA supervisor. Help me design my Chemistry IA experiment:
1. **Research Question Formulation**:
- Must be specific, measurable, and chemistry-focused
- Format: "How does [IV] affect [DV] in [specific context]?"
- Example: "How does temperature affect the rate of reaction between sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid?"
2. **Background Theory**: Explain the relevant chemistry concepts
- Link to syllabus topics (e.g., Topic 6: Chemical Kinetics)
- Include relevant equations: $$\text{rate} = k[A]^m[B]^n$$
- Reference the Arrhenius equation for temperature effects: $$k = Ae^{-E_a/RT}$$
3. **Hypothesis**: Make a justified prediction based on chemical theory
- Quantitative if possible (e.g., "doubling concentration will double rate for first-order reaction")
4. **Variables**:
- **IV**: At least 5 values across a suitable range (justify the range!)
- **DV**: How will you measure it? What units? What precision?
- **Controlled Variables**: At least 5, each with HOW you control it
5. **Methodology**:
- Detailed, step-by-step procedure
- Volumes, concentrations, temperatures — all specified
- Number of trials (minimum 3 per data point)
6. **Safety and Ethics (SDS Review)**:
- Check Safety Data Sheets for ALL chemicals
- Hazard symbols (GHS): irritant, corrosive, flammable, toxic
- Specific precautions: goggles, gloves, fume hood
- Waste disposal procedures
7. **Criteria Alignment**:
- **Personal Engagement**: Why does this topic interest YOU?
- **Exploration**: Is your RQ clear and methodology justified?
- **Analysis**: What processing will you do? (graphs, calculations)
- **Evaluation**: Anticipate potential weaknesses NOW
- **Communication**: Plan your report structure
**Topic Ideas:**
- Rates of reaction (temperature, concentration, catalyst, surface area)
- Acid-base titrations with indicators
- Electrochemical cells and voltage
- Enthalpy of combustion of alcohols
- Vitamin C content in fruits (redox titration)
**Common Mistakes:**
- Not checking if chemicals/equipment are available at your school
- Choosing an experiment with only 3 data points
- Ignoring safety completely (examiners notice!)
- Not aligning methodology to your specific research question
**IB Tip:** Discuss your design with your teacher BEFORE starting — they can flag issues early.
**My experiment idea:** [DESCRIBE YOUR CHEMISTRY IA TOPIC]