IB Chemistry IA: 60 Examples and Guidance

The IB Diploma programme offers a variety of assessments for students, including Internal Assessments (IAs), which are pieces of coursework marked by students’ teachers. The Chemistry IA is an assessment designed to test students' understanding of the material they have learned in their chemistry course and their ability to conduct independent research. The investigation should be a self-directed study that demonstrates the student's ability to design, execute, and evaluate a scientific investigation.

What is the IA?

The IA consists of a laboratory report that students must complete during their IB chemistry course. For assessments before May 2025, the report should be 6 to 12 pages in length and should include a research question, a methodology section, data analysis, and a conclusion. From May 2025, the report should be a maximum of 3,000 words.

What should the IA be about?

When choosing a topic for their IA, expert IB tutors recommend that the students should keep in mind that the investigation should be related to the content of the IB Chemistry course. It should also be practical, feasible, and of sufficient complexity to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter. Some examples of topics that have been used in the past include the determination of the concentration of a substance in a solution, the effect of temperature on a chemical reaction, and the rate of a chemical reaction.

What should the IA contain?

Once a topic has been chosen, students should write a research proposal outlining their investigation. The proposal should include a clear research question, a brief literature review, a detailed methodology, and a list of the equipment and materials that will be needed. The proposal should also include a risk assessment, outlining any hazards associated with the investigation and the measures that will be taken to minimize them.

After the proposal has been approved, students can begin their investigation. They should keep a detailed laboratory notebook, including all the data they collect, any observations they make, and any calculations they perform. They should also take photographs or videos of their experiment to document the process.

Once the investigation is complete, students should analyze their data and draw conclusions. They should process their data using appropriate techniques, such as statistical analysis or graphing, and present it in a clear and concise manner. They should also evaluate their methodology and results, highlighting any limitations or uncertainties.

Finally, students should write a report, summarizing their investigation. The report should include an introduction, a method section, a results section, a discussion section, and a conclusion. The report should also include a list of references, citing any sources that were used in the research proposal or during the investigation.

Have a look at our comprehensive set resources for IB Chemistry developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

- IB Chemistry 2024 Study Notes

- IB Chemistry 2025 Study Notes

- IB Chemistry 2024 Questions

- IB Chemistry 2025 Questions

How can I do well in the IA?

To prepare for the IA, students should ensure that they understand the material covered in their chemistry course and should practice writing lab reports. They should also seek feedback from their teachers on their writing skills and their understanding of the research process, and can also enlist the help of an IB Chemistry tutor.

Before starting the IA, students should also familiarize themselves with the assessment criteria and the guidelines provided by the IB. This will allow them to show their full potential and achieve the highest mark possible. Students should also make sure that their report is well-written and properly formatted, and that it includes all the required sections.

The assessment criteria include the following:

Personal engagement: Students should engage with the exploration, which can be demonstrated through independent thinking and creativity. The research question or topic should be linked to something of personal significance or interest, and the student should show initiative in implementing the investigation. (2 marks)

Exploration: Students should identify a relevant and fully-focused research question, which is explored with appropriate background information and investigated with an appropriate methodology. The student should consider the safety, ethical, or environmental issues that are relevant to the methodology. (6 marks)

Analysis: Students should demonstrate the ability to analyze data and draw conclusions. They should show that they have used appropriate techniques to process and present data, and that they have identified patterns and trends in the data. The report should include quantitative and qualitative data, which supports a detailed and valid conclusion, following appropriate data processing. (6 marks)

Evaluation: Students should demonstrate an understanding of the limitations and uncertainties of their investigation. They should critically evaluate their methodology and results, and suggest ways in which the investigation could be improved or extended. (6 marks)

Communication: The investigation should be clearly presented, with an effective structure, concise writing, and appropriate use of subject-specific terminology. (4 marks)

What are some example research questions?

Here are a few examples of potential research questions compiled by expert IB Chemistry tutors that could inspire your Chemistry IA:

1 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the rate of reaction between hydrochloric acid and magnesium?

Conduct a series of experiments in which hydrochloric acid is added to different concentrations of magnesium in solution. The rate of reaction could be measured by tracking the production of hydrogen gas over time. The concentration of the solution could be varied by diluting the hydrochloric acid with water. The results could be plotted on a graph to show the relationship between concentration and rate of reaction. Control variables such as temperature and stirring rate would need to be kept constant throughout the experiments.

2 - Can the purity of a sample of aspirin be determined using thin-layer chromatography?

A sample of the aspirin would be dissolved in a suitable solvent and spotted onto a thin-layer chromatography plate. The plate would then be placed in a developing chamber containing a suitable solvent. As the solvent moves up the plate, it will separate the different components of the sample based on their polarity. The purity of the aspirin can be determined by comparing the distance traveled by the aspirin spot to the distance traveled by any impurities or other components present in the sample. This can be done by measuring the Rf value (the ratio of the distance traveled by the spot to the distance traveled by the solvent) for each component. A pure sample of aspirin would have an Rf value of 1, while impurities or other components would have lower Rf values.

3 - Investigating the effect of temperature on the solubility of a salt in water.

Prepare a saturated solution of the salt at room temperature. Then, heat the solution to a higher temperature and add more of the salt until it reaches saturation again. The amount of salt that can dissolve in the water at each temperature can be measured by weighing the solution before and after adding the salt. This process can be repeated at different temperatures to create a solubility curve. The curve can then be used to determine the effect of temperature on the solubility of the salt in water.

4 - How does the concentration of hydrochloric acid affect the reaction rate with sodium thiosulfate?

Conduct a series of experiments in which different concentrations of hydrochloric acid are mixed with a fixed amount of sodium thiosulfate. The reaction rate can be measured by observing the time it takes for the solution to turn cloudy, indicating that the reaction has occurred. The concentration of hydrochloric acid that produces the fastest reaction rate can be determined, and a graph can be created to show the relationship between concentration and reaction rate. Control variables such as temperature and stirring should be kept constant throughout the experiments.

5 - Can the enthalpy change of a chemical reaction be determined using Hess's law and calorimetry?

Use calorimetry to measure the enthalpy change of the individual reactions involved in the chemical reaction of interest. Then, use Hess's law to calculate the enthalpy change of the overall reaction. This would involve setting up a calorimeter, measuring the initial and final temperatures of the reactants and products, and calculating the heat absorbed or released during the reaction. The enthalpy change of the individual reactions could be determined by conducting them separately and measuring the heat change.

6 - Investigating the effect of different types of catalysts on the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

Set up an experiment in which hydrogen peroxide is mixed with different types of catalysts, such as manganese dioxide, copper oxide, or iron oxide. The rate of decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide can be measured by monitoring the release of oxygen gas using a gas syringe or pressure sensor. The experiment would need to be repeated with each type of catalyst, and the results can be compared to determine which catalyst is most effective at increasing the rate of decomposition. Control variables such as temperature, concentration of hydrogen peroxide, and volume of catalyst would need to be kept constant.

7 - How does the pH of a solution affect the solubility of a sparingly soluble salt?

Prepare a solution of the sparingly soluble salt in water at a known concentration. Vary the pH of the solution using acidic or basic solutions. The solubility of the salt can be determined by measuring the concentration of the salt in the solution using techniques such as spectrophotometry or gravimetry. The solubility of the salt can then be plotted against the pH of the solution to determine the effect of pH on solubility. This process would need to be repeated for different concentrations of the salt to determine the impact of concentration on solubility.

8 - Can the concentration of a solution be determined using acid-base titration?

To determine the concentration of a solution using acid-base titration, a known volume of the solution would be added to a flask and an indicator would be added. A standardized solution of a strong acid or base would then be slowly added to the flask until the endpoint is reached, indicating that all the acid or base has reacted with the solution. The concentration of the solution can then be calculated based on the volume and concentration of the standardized solution used in the titration. This process would need to be repeated for each solution being tested.

9 - Investigating the effect of different types of surfactants on the surface tension of water.

Prepare solutions of different concentrations of the surfactants being tested. A drop of each solution would be placed on the surface of water and the surface tension of the water would be measured using a tensiometer. The process would be repeated for each concentration of surfactant being tested. The results would be plotted on a graph to determine the relationship between the concentration of surfactant and the surface tension of water.

10 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the rate of reaction between sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid?

Conduct a series of experiments in which different concentrations of sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid are mixed together in a controlled environment. The rate of reaction can be measured by observing the time it takes for the solution to turn cloudy due to the formation of sulfur. The concentration of the solution can be varied by diluting or concentrating the solutions before mixing them together. By comparing the rate of reaction at different concentrations, the relationship between concentration and rate of reaction can be determined.

11 - Can the concentration of copper in a brass alloy be determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy?

Prepare a series of standard solutions of known copper concentrations using a pure copper sample. The brass alloy would then be dissolved in acid and the resulting solution would be analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The absorption of light by the copper atoms in the solution would be measured and compared to the absorption of the standard solutions to determine the concentration of copper in the brass alloy. This process would need to be repeated for each brass alloy being tested.

12 - Investigating the effect of the length of an alkane chain on its boiling point.

Prepare a series of alkane samples with varying chain lengths. Each sample would be heated and the temperature at which it boils would be recorded. The boiling point of each alkane sample would be plotted against its chain length to determine the relationship between the two variables. This experiment would need to be repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy and consistency of results.

13 - How does the pH of a solution affect the color of an indicator?

Select an appropriate indicator that changes color within the pH range being tested. Prepare solutions with different pH values by adding acids or bases to a neutral solution. Add a small amount of the indicator to each solution and observe the color change. Record the pH value at which the color change occurs for each indicator. This experiment can be repeated with different indicators to compare their sensitivity to changes in pH.

14 - Can the concentration of iron in a solution be determined using spectrophotometry?

Prepare a series of standard solutions with known concentrations of iron. The absorbance of each standard solution would be measured using a spectrophotometer, which would create a calibration curve. A sample of the unknown solution containing iron would then be measured for its absorbance, and the concentration of iron in the solution can be determined by comparing its absorbance to the calibration curve. This process would need to be repeated for each solution being tested.

15 - Investigating the effect of the concentration of a solution on the rate of reaction between potassium permanganate and oxalic acid.

Set up a series of experiments in which different concentrations of the potassium permanganate solution are mixed with a fixed concentration of oxalic acid. The rate of reaction could be measured by monitoring the color change of the solution over time, as the potassium permanganate is reduced by the oxalic acid. The concentration of the potassium permanganate solution that produces the fastest rate of reaction could be determined, and the effect of varying concentrations of oxalic acid could also be investigated. Control variables such as temperature and stirring rate would need to be kept constant throughout the experiments.

16 - How does the presence of a common ion affect the solubility of a salt?

Prepare solutions of the salt at different concentrations and add a known amount of the common ion to each solution. The solubility of the salt in each solution can then be determined by measuring the amount of salt that remains undissolved after stirring the solution for a set period of time. Comparing the solubility of the salt in solutions with and without the common ion would determine the effect of the common ion on the salt's solubility. This process would need to be repeated for different concentrations of the common ion to determine the concentration at which it has the greatest effect on the salt's solubility.

17 - Can the rate constant of a chemical reaction be determined using kinetics experiments?

Conduct a series of experiments in which the concentration of reactants is varied while keeping all other variables constant. The rate of the reaction can be measured by monitoring the change in concentration of the reactants or products over time. The rate constant can then be calculated using the rate equation for the reaction. This process would need to be repeated for different temperatures and concentrations to determine the effect of these variables on the rate constant.

18 - Investigating the effect of different types of acids and bases on the pH of a buffer solution.

Prepare a buffer solution with a known pH and add different types of acids and bases to it. The pH of the buffer solution would be measured using a pH meter or indicator paper before and after the addition of each acid or base. The change in pH would indicate the effect of the acid or base on the buffer solution. This process would need to be repeated for each type of acid and base being tested. The results could be compared to determine which types of acids and bases have the greatest impact on the pH of the buffer solution.

19 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the absorbance of light by a colored compound?

Prepare a series of solutions with varying concentrations of the colored compound. Use a spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of light by each solution at a specific wavelength. Plot the absorbance values against the concentration of the colored compound to create a calibration curve. Use this curve to determine the concentration of the colored compound in an unknown solution by measuring its absorbance and comparing it to the calibration curve. This process would need to be repeated for each colored compound being tested.

20 - Can the concentration of ammonia in a solution be determined using acid-base titration?

Prepare a standardized solution of a known concentration of acid or base. A sample of the ammonia solution would be titrated with the acid or base solution until the endpoint is reached, indicating that all the ammonia has reacted with the acid or base. The concentration of ammonia in the solution can then be calculated based on the volume and concentration of the acid or base solution used in the titration. This process would need to be repeated for each ammonia solution being tested.

21 - Investigating the effect of different types of buffers on the pH of a solution.

Prepare solutions of different buffers and measure their pH using a pH meter. Then, add a small amount of acid or base to each solution and measure the change in pH. The buffer that maintains the pH closest to its original value would be the most effective. This process would need to be repeated for each type of buffer being tested. The results could be graphed to visually compare the effectiveness of each buffer.

22 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the rate of reaction between iodine and sodium thiosulfate?

Prepare solutions of different concentrations of sodium thiosulfate and iodine. The reaction between the two solutions can be timed and the rate of reaction calculated for each concentration. The results can be graphed to show the relationship between concentration and reaction rate. This experiment would need to be repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy and to account for any experimental error.

23 - Can the concentration of a metal ion in a solution be determined using complexometric titration?

Prepare a standardized solution of a chelating agent, such as EDTA, of a known concentration. A sample of the metal ion solution would be titrated with the chelating agent until the endpoint is reached, indicating that all the metal ions have reacted with the chelating agent. The concentration of the metal ion in the solution can then be calculated based on the volume and concentration of the chelating agent used in the titration. This process would need to be repeated for each metal ion being tested.

24 - Investigating the effect of the length of a chain on the rate of esterification.

Set up an experiment in which different lengths of chains are used in the esterification reaction. The reaction could be monitored by measuring the amount of product formed over time using a spectrophotometer or by analyzing the product using gas chromatography. The rate of esterification could be calculated by determining the slope of the reaction curve. Comparing the rates of esterification for the different chain lengths would determine the effect of chain length on the reaction rate.

25 - How does the pH of a solution affect the rate of reaction between sodium thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid?

Set up a series of solutions with varying pH levels using hydrochloric acid and sodium thiosulfate. The reaction between the two chemicals would be timed and the time taken for the solution to turn cloudy would be recorded. The experiment would need to be repeated multiple times for each pH level to ensure accuracy. The data collected would then be used to plot a graph of the reaction rate against pH level, allowing for the relationship between pH and reaction rate to be determined.

26 - Can the concentration of a solution be determined using gravimetric analysis?

In gravimetric analysis, a known mass of the substance being analyzed is dissolved in a solvent and then reacted with a reagent that forms a precipitate with the substance of interest. The precipitate is then filtered, dried, and weighed to determine its mass. From this, the mass of the original substance can be calculated using stoichiometry. Therefore, to determine the concentration of a solution using gravimetric analysis, a known volume of the solution would need to be evaporated to dryness, and the resulting solid would be weighed. The mass of the solid would then be used to calculate the concentration of the original solution.

27 - Investigating the effect of different types of surfactants on the emulsification of oil and water.

Create a series of oil and water emulsions using different types and concentrations of surfactants. The emulsions could be visually inspected for stability and the time it takes for the oil and water to separate could be recorded. The effectiveness of each surfactant in emulsifying the oil and water could be compared by analyzing the data collected. Additionally, the size and distribution of the droplets in the emulsion could be measured using microscopy to gain a more detailed understanding of the emulsification process.

28 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the rate of reaction between potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide?

Set up a series of experiments in which different concentrations of potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide are mixed together. The reaction rate could be measured by tracking the change in color of the solution over time, as the potassium permanganate is reduced. The concentration of the reactants could be varied by diluting them with water, and the reaction rate could be measured for each concentration. The results could then be plotted on a graph to show the relationship between concentration and reaction rate.

29 - Can the concentration of sulfate ions in a solution be determined using gravimetric analysis?

To determine the concentration of sulfate ions in a solution using gravimetric analysis, a known volume of the solution would be evaporated to dryness to obtain the sulfate ions in solid form. The mass of the solid sulfate would be measured and compared to the mass of the original sample to determine the percentage of sulfate ions present. This process would need to be repeated for multiple samples of the solution to ensure accuracy and precision in the results.

30 - Investigating the effect of different types of acids and bases on the rate of reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium thiosulfate.

Set up an experiment in which hydrochloric acid and sodium thiosulfate are mixed with different types and concentrations of acids and bases. The reaction between the two chemicals would produce a yellow precipitate of sulfur, which would gradually become less visible as the reaction progresses. The time taken for the precipitate to disappear could be measured and used to calculate the rate of reaction. Comparing the rates of reaction for the different groups would determine the effect of the acids and bases on the reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium thiosulfate.

31 - Investigating the effects of different types of catalysts on the rate of a chemical reaction.

Set up an experiment in which a chemical reaction is carried out with different catalysts. The reaction should be monitored using a suitable method such as spectrophotometry or gas chromatography to determine the rate of the reaction. The same reaction should be carried out with each catalyst, and the results should be compared to determine the effect of the catalyst on the rate of the reaction. Control variables such as temperature, pressure, and concentration of reactants should be kept constant to ensure accurate results.

32 - How does the concentration of a reactant affect the rate of a chemical reaction?

Conduct a series of experiments in which the concentration of the reactant is varied while keeping all other variables constant. The rate of the chemical reaction can be measured by monitoring the change in concentration of the reactant or product over time. A graph can be plotted to show the relationship between the concentration of the reactant and the rate of the reaction. This can be used to determine the rate law for the reaction, which can then be used to predict the rate of the reaction under different conditions.

33 - Investigating the properties of different types of acids and bases and their behavior in different solutions.

Conduct experiments in which different types of acids and bases are added to different solutions, such as water or other acids/bases. The behavior of the acids and bases can be observed, such as whether they dissolve or react with the solution, and the pH of the solution can be measured. The properties of the acids and bases, such as their strength and reactivity, can be compared based on their behavior in the different solutions. This could also involve testing the effect of different concentrations of the acids and bases on the pH of the solution.

34 - How does the temperature affect the solubility of a solute in a solvent?

Prepare a solution of the solute in the solvent at a known concentration and temperature. The solution would then be cooled or heated to different temperatures and the solubility of the solute in the solvent would be measured at each temperature. This could be done by adding a known amount of the solute to the solvent at each temperature and measuring the amount of solute that dissolves. The results could be plotted on a solubility curve to show the relationship between temperature and solubility.

35 - Investigating the properties of different types of polymers and their behavior in different environments.

Conduct experiments in which different types of polymers are exposed to different environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and UV radiation. The behavior of the polymers could be observed and measured using techniques such as tensile testing, thermal analysis, and microscopy. Comparing the properties and behavior of the different polymers in different environments would provide insights into their suitability for various applications.

36 - How does the concentration of a solute affect the osmotic pressure of a solution?

Set up a series of solutions with varying concentrations of the solute and measure the osmotic pressure of each solution using an osmometer. The osmotic pressure can be calculated by measuring the change in pressure as the solution is introduced to a semi-permeable membrane. The results can then be plotted on a graph to determine the relationship between solute concentration and osmotic pressure. This experiment could be repeated with different solutes to compare their effects on osmotic pressure.

37 - Investigating the properties of different types of surfactants and their behavior in different solutions.

Conduct experiments in which different types of surfactants are added to different solutions, such as water or oil. The behavior of the surfactants can be observed, including their ability to reduce surface tension and form micelles. The properties of the surfactants can also be tested, such as their solubility in different solvents and their stability under different conditions. The results of these experiments can be used to compare the effectiveness of different surfactants in different applications, such as in cleaning products or in the production of emulsions.

38 - How does the temperature affect the conductivity of an electrolyte solution?

Conductivity measurements of an electrolyte solution would need to be taken at different temperatures using a conductivity meter. The temperature of the solution can be controlled using a water bath or other temperature control device. The conductivity readings can be plotted against temperature to determine the effect of temperature on conductivity. The experiment would need to be repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy and consistency of results.

39 - Investigating the properties of different types of metal alloys and their behavior under different conditions.

Conduct experiments on different types of metal alloys under varying conditions such as temperature, pressure, and exposure to different chemicals. The properties of the alloys such as strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance could be measured and compared to determine their behavior under different conditions. This would require specialized equipment such as a tensile testing machine and a corrosion testing apparatus. The results of these experiments could be used to optimize the use of different alloys in various applications.

40 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the boiling and freezing points of the solvent?

Conduct an experiment in which different concentrations of a solution are prepared and their boiling and freezing points are measured using a thermometer. The data collected can be used to create a graph showing the relationship between concentration and boiling/freezing point. This graph can be used to determine the effect of concentration on the boiling and freezing points of the solvent. Control variables such as pressure and volume of the solution should be kept constant throughout the experiment.

41 - Investigating the properties of different types of gas laws and their behavior under different conditions.

Conduct experiments using different gases, such as helium, nitrogen, and oxygen, under varying conditions of temperature and pressure. The behavior of the gases could be observed using equipment such as pressure gauges and thermometers. The data collected could then be analyzed to determine the properties of each gas and how they behave under different conditions. This could include measuring the volume of gas at different pressures, or the pressure of gas at different temperatures. The results could then be used to develop mathematical models of gas behavior, such as the ideal gas law.

42 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the rate of diffusion and effusion?

Set up a series of experiments in which solutions of varying concentrations are placed in separate compartments of a diffusion or effusion apparatus. The rate of diffusion or effusion could be measured by tracking the movement of a dye or gas through a semi-permeable membrane separating the compartments. The rate of diffusion or effusion could then be compared across the different concentrations to determine the effect of concentration on the rate of diffusion or effusion. Control variables such as temperature and pressure would need to be kept constant throughout the experiments.

43 - Investigating the properties of different types of nuclear reactions and their behavior under different conditions.

Conduct experiments with different types of nuclear reactions, such as fission and fusion, under varying conditions such as temperature, pressure, and reactant concentration. The behavior of the reactions can be observed and recorded, and data can be analyzed to determine the properties of each type of reaction. This could include factors such as energy release, reaction rate, and byproducts produced. The results of these experiments can be used to better understand the behavior of nuclear reactions and their potential applications.

44 - How does the temperature affect the viscosity of a liquid?

Measure the viscosity of a liquid at different temperatures using a viscometer. The temperature of the liquid can be controlled using a water bath or other heating/cooling apparatus. The viscosity can be measured by timing how long it takes for the liquid to flow through the viscometer at each temperature. The results can be plotted on a graph to show how the viscosity changes with temperature. This can help determine the optimal temperature for the liquid's intended use or provide insight into the physical properties of the liquid.

45 - Investigating the properties of different types of organic compounds and their behavior under different conditions.

Conduct a series of experiments to investigate the properties of different types of organic compounds. This could involve testing their solubility in different solvents, their reactivity with other compounds, their melting and boiling points, and their behavior under different conditions such as heat or pressure. The results of these experiments could be used to develop a better understanding of the behavior and properties of organic compounds, which could have applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, and materials science.

46 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the pH of the solution?

Prepare solutions of varying concentrations of an acidic or basic substance, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. The pH of each solution would be measured using a pH meter or indicator paper. The results would be recorded and analyzed to determine the relationship between the concentration of the solution and its pH. A graph could be created to visualize this relationship.

47 - Investigating the properties of different types of electrochemical cells and their behavior under different conditions.

Set up different electrochemical cells using different electrodes and electrolytes. Measure the voltage and current produced by each cell under different conditions such as temperature, concentration of electrolyte, and electrode surface area. Analyze the data to determine the behavior of each cell and compare their properties. This could include calculating the cell potential, determining the rate of reaction, and identifying any limitations or advantages of each type of cell.

48 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the color and absorption spectrum of a chromophore?

Prepare a series of solutions with varying concentrations of the chromophore. The absorption spectra of each solution could be measured using a spectrophotometer, and the color of each solution could be observed visually. By comparing the absorption spectra and colors of the different solutions, the relationship between concentration, color, and absorption spectrum of the chromophore could be determined. This could be further analyzed using mathematical models to predict the absorption spectrum and color of solutions with different concentrations of the chromophore.

49 - Investigating the properties of different types of covalent compounds and their behavior under different conditions.

Conduct experiments on different covalent compounds under varying conditions such as temperature, pressure, and pH levels. Observe and record their behavior, including changes in state, solubility, and reactivity. Analyze the data to determine the properties of each compound and how they respond to different conditions. This could involve using techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry to identify and characterize the compounds. The results could be used to develop a better understanding of the behavior of covalent compounds and their potential applications in various fields.

50 - How does the temperature affect the rate of diffusion and effusion?

Set up an experiment in which a gas is released in a container at a constant rate and the time it takes for the gas to diffuse or effuse through a small opening is measured at different temperatures. The temperature can be varied by immersing the container in a water bath of different temperatures. The rate of diffusion or effusion can be calculated based on the time taken for the gas to pass through the opening, and the temperature can be varied to determine its effect on the rate of diffusion or effusion. The results can be plotted on a graph to visualize the relationship between temperature and the rate of diffusion or effusion.

51 - Investigating the properties of different types of intermolecular forces and their behavior under different conditions.

Conduct experiments using different substances with different types of intermolecular forces, such as hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces. The substances could be tested under different conditions, such as temperature and pressure, to observe how the intermolecular forces affect their behavior. The results could be analyzed to determine the properties of each type of intermolecular force and how they interact with each other. This could lead to a better understanding of the behavior of substances in various environments.

52 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the rate of an acid-base titration?

Prepare a standardized solution of a strong acid or base of known concentration. A sample of the solution being tested would be titrated with the acid or base solution until the endpoint is reached, indicating that all the acid or base has reacted with the solution. The concentration of the solution being tested can then be calculated based on the volume and concentration of the acid or base solution used in the titration. This process would need to be repeated for solutions of varying concentrations to determine the effect of concentration on the rate of the acid-base titration.

53 - Investigating the properties of different types of coordination compounds and their behavior under different conditions.

Conduct experiments to observe the behavior of different coordination compounds under varying conditions such as temperature, pH, and concentration. The properties of the compounds such as color, solubility, and stability could be measured and compared. The results could be analyzed to determine the effect of the different conditions on the behavior of the coordination compounds. This could provide insight into the potential applications of these compounds in various fields such as medicine or materials science.

54 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the equilibrium constant of a chemical reaction?

Conduct a series of experiments in which the concentration of a reactant or product is varied while keeping other variables constant. The equilibrium constant of the chemical reaction can then be calculated using the concentrations of the reactants and products at equilibrium. This process would need to be repeated for different initial concentrations of the reactants to determine the effect of concentration on the equilibrium constant. Graphing the data would help visualize the relationship between concentration and equilibrium constant.

55 - Investigating the properties of different types of chromatography and their behavior in different separation techniques.

Conduct a series of experiments using different types of chromatography, such as paper chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and gas chromatography. Each experiment would involve separating a mixture of substances using the chosen chromatography technique and analyzing the results to determine the effectiveness of the technique in separating the substances. The behavior of the chromatography technique could be studied by varying the solvent used, the type of stationary phase, and other experimental conditions. The results of the experiments could be compared to determine the most effective chromatography technique for different types of separations.

56 - How does the temperature affect the activation energy of a chemical reaction?

Conduct a series of experiments in which the same chemical reaction is carried out at different temperatures. The activation energy of the reaction can be calculated by measuring the rate of the reaction at each temperature and using the Arrhenius equation to determine the activation energy. The results can be plotted on a graph to show the relationship between temperature and activation energy. This would help to determine how temperature affects the rate of chemical reactions.

57 - Investigating the properties of different types of solid-state materials and their behavior under different conditions.

Conduct experiments on different types of solid-state materials, such as metals, ceramics, and polymers, under different conditions such as temperature, pressure, and humidity. The properties that could be investigated include strength, elasticity, conductivity, and thermal expansion. The results of these experiments could be used to compare the behavior of different materials and to identify the most suitable material for a particular application. The data collected could also be used to develop models and simulations to predict the behavior of materials under different conditions.

58 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the rate of a redox reaction?

Conduct a series of experiments in which the concentration of a solution is varied while keeping all other variables constant. The redox reaction could be monitored using a colorimetric assay or by measuring the change in pH of the solution. The rate of the reaction could then be calculated based on the change in absorbance or pH over time. By comparing the rates of the reaction at different concentrations, the effect of concentration on the rate of the redox reaction could be determined.

59 - Investigating the properties of different types of nanomaterials and their behavior under different conditions.

Conduct experiments with different types of nanomaterials, varying their size, shape, and composition, and observe their behavior under different conditions such as temperature, pressure, and exposure to different chemicals. The properties of the nanomaterials, such as their conductivity, reactivity, and strength, could be measured using various techniques such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing. The results could be analyzed to determine the optimal conditions for each type of nanomaterial and to compare their properties to identify the most suitable material for specific applications.

60 - How does the concentration of a solution affect the rate of a precipitation reaction?

Set up multiple solutions of the same reactants with varying concentrations. The rate of precipitation can be measured by tracking the time it takes for the precipitate to form or by measuring the amount of precipitate formed over a set period of time. By comparing the rates of precipitation in the different solutions, the effect of concentration on the rate of the reaction can be determined. Control variables such as temperature and stirring rate would need to be kept constant.

Remember to come up with your own original IA topic and check it with your teacher. It should be practical to conduct and relevant to the syllabus. This is a great opportunity to develop your personal interests, while advancing your knowledge of the chemistry curriculum. Online tutors agree that this list is quite extensive and can help IB students a lot with their IB Chemistry IA.

TutorChase's IB Chemistry Study Notes, IB Past Papers and IB Chemistry Questions are the perfect resource for students who want to get a 7 in their IB Chemistry exams and also prepare for the internal assessment. They are completely free, cover all topics in depth, and are structured by topic so you can easily keep track of your progress.

How is the IA graded?

The IA is worth 20% of the final grade for the IB chemistry course, whether you are studying at Higher or at Standard Level. This applies for assessments both before and after May 2025. It is graded by the student’s teacher, who is trained and certified by the International Baccalaureate organization. The report is then sent to a moderator, who will check that the report adheres to the IB guidelines and that the grade awarded is appropriate.

Source: IB Chemistry Subject Brief, pre-May 2025

Conclusion

In summary, the IA in the IB is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the chemistry curriculum, as well as their ability to conduct independent research. It consists of a laboratory report and a reflective statement, and is worth 20% of the final grade for the course. To prepare for the assessment, students should ensure that they understand the material covered in their IB chemistry course, practice writing lab reports, review their IB Chemistry Q&A Revision Notes, and seek feedback from their teachers or tutors.