research question example chemistry

Chemistry IA ideas (30+ topics) - Topic Description & Analysis Included!

Unlock the secrets to ace your Chemistry IA with our exclusive list of over 30+ IA Ideas! Get ready to impress your examiner & boost your grades with Nail IB.

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Ib chemistry ia ideas - stoichiometry , ib chemistry ia ideas - calorimetry , ib chemistry ia ideas - chemical kinetics, ib chemistry ia ideas - organic chemistry, ib chemistry ia ideas - periodicity, ib chemistry ia ideas - equilibrium.

The struggle involved in making one’s IB Chemistry IA is real and is, without a doubt, one of the most challenging IAs to score in. The trouble stems from inadequate information relevant to the IB Chemistry syllabus. And just when you’ve landed on an IB Chemistry IA idea of your interest, the question of whether your research topic is solid and original starts shooting up your stress levels! Topics ranging from a field as vast as Organic Chemistry to anything associated with Chemical Kinetics, opting for the right IB Chemistry IA topic can take quite a toll on one’s working capacity. 

The good news, however, is that tens of thousands of IB Chemistry students like yourself go through the same process of topic-hunting for their Chemistry IA. Besides, no one expects you to come up with a brand new groundbreaking research idea on your IB Chemistry IA; all you’ve got to take care of are the following essential points:

• Your IB Chemistry IA will be evaluated based on - Personal Engagement, Exploration, Analysis, Evaluation, and Communication. Among these, Personal Engagement refers to your choice of IB Chemistry IA idea and how well you can understand and engage with the same.
• Your IB Chemistry IA topic should be relevant to the IB Chemistry curriculum but not an easy-peasy research question you can look up quickly in your textbook. Being the scientific assessment it is, your background research is expected to be solid and can set a benchmark. It doesn’t have to be a marvel in the respective field, but the approach should be unique, not plain or copied. 
• Why does selecting your IB Chemistry IA topic wisely become so important?
• Your IB Chemistry IA is your mini-research project that  accounts for   20% of your total grade. 
• Your research question sets the base for your overall performance as it states the aim and context of your IA. Your IB Chemistry IA research question, in turn, can only be effectively framed once the topic you pick for your IA is inspired by past experiments and investigation ideas.   
• Your IB Chemistry IA idea should help you aim at a specific research question and help you develop a proper methodology for your investigation.  

Your IB Chemistry IA is the ideal chance to put your knowledge and investigation skills to work without facing the pressure of written exams. Your topic need not be unique; all that is required of you is to go for a standard, tested IB Chemistry IA topic but approach your research from a fresh, personal perspective. It isn’t a piece of cake but a process that needs your time and effort. You must meet the criteria of IB IA’s science requirements; you needn’t invent a new IB Chemistry IA idea; you must investigate an existing idea with a fresh perspective.  

To help you on this tedious IB Chemistry IA topic hunting, here we are with 30+ Chemistry IA ideas to guide your respective IB Chemistry IA journeys! Every view listed below allows you to put on your thinking cap, cover a basic experimental thesis, and then modify it according to your take on the particular concept. 

Here’s an assortment of 30+ IB Chemistry IA topics, classified by the broader field of the subject it falls under: 

Determining the value of Absolute Zero

• Determining how the volume of a gas changes with a temperature change to calculate Absolute Zero. 

Explore the drug content in tablets. 

How does the concentration of ethanoic acid-present in vinegar, as determined by acid-base titration - get affected by a change in temperature while cooking?

Investigate the Vitamin C content of different food products.

• By redox titration, one can determine the amount of iodine solution required for the complete oxidation of the vitamin C and thereby infer the vitamin C content.
• Also, the amount of time taken for different food products to cook and the method used is reported to affect the vitamin C content. 

Investigate the amount of Iodine content in Iodinated Salt.

• By redox titration, one can determine the amount of sodium thiosulphate required to reduce iodine to Iodide ions. One can further investigate what effect temperature have on the iodine content calculated via titration. 

Explore the percentage of Copper content in Brass.

• Redox Titration (Iodometric Titration- Copper(I) Iodide and Sodium thiosulphate solution) to determine the percentage of Copper in different types of Brass.

Explore Water of Crystallisation.

• Acid-Base Titration to determine water crystallization. 

Investigate the synthesis of sweetener Dulcin from Paracetamol. 

Analyze different EDTA contents of several shower cleaners.

Calculating Molar Volume of Hydrogen.

• To calculate the standard molar volume of hydrogen, opt for a barometric method using Dalton’s Law. The reaction between Zinc and Hydrochloric Acid will help determine the same.

Investigating Enthalpy changes.

• Using Calorimetry to analyze the enthalpies of combustion, say - ethanol, ethanoic acid, and ethanol.

Determine the relationship between the enthalpy of hydration, enthalpy of the solution, and lattice enthalpy by applying Calorimetry and Hess’ Law. 

Use Calorimetry to verify that the enthalpy of neutralization of different acids and alkalis is 55KJ mol^-1.

Explore how calories are affected by cooking in saturated and unsaturated vegetable oils using Calorimetry. 

Calculating the Activation energy of a Chemical Reaction.

• Determine the rate of the chemical reaction at various temperatures and then calculate the Activation energy using an Arrhenius plot. 

Explore the pKa values of several natural indicators.

Hydrolysis of Aspirin - Investigation, and Analysis.

• How does the rate of hydrolysis of Aspirin change with a change in pH and temperature?

Analyzing several conditions under which lipase is denatured.

• Investigating pH, temperature, and light effects to verify which factor has the maximum impact. 

Investigate the speeds of several chemical reactions using a Spectrometer. 

Investigating the stability of unsaturated fats.

• Measuring Iodine numbers of common vegetable oils to determine how light and temperature affect their stability.

Explore common reactions such as Williamson Ether Synthesis. 

Investigate the products of nitration of various aromatic compounds using Infrared Spectroscopy.

Determine the relationship between charge density and the thermal stability of different carbonates. Explore VSPER theory. To devise a trend, use microscale chemistry to explore the solubility behavior of halides.  Use Spectrophotometry to analyze the fluorescence of chlorophyll and other different pigments.  Using simulation software, investigate the effect of atomic radius and halogen electronegativity on halogenoalkanes.

Using gas chromatography to calculate the Gibbs Energy for esterification reaction between ethanol and propanoic acid.

• Determine the equilibrium constant Kc for the reaction by measuring the ester concentration in the esterification mixture.

IB Chemistry IA Ideas - Electrochemistry

Investigating the optimal conditions involved in electroplating metals, considering various factors.

Establish a relationship, if it exists, between Gibbs energy change and Ionisation Energy using voltammetry for Electrochemical cells. 

And that's not all! 

Listed below are a few more miscellaneous IB Chemistry IA ideas to help you sort your interests and frame a research question on a topic of your choice, keeping in mind the personal engagement criterion to give your IA a unique perspective:

How does roasting coffee affect its caffeine content?

Explore the calcium content of several milk brands. 

Investigate fertilizers for their nitrogen levels/content. 

Investigate bond enthalpy trends.

• Examine how bond-enthalpy(amount of energy needed to break one mole of the bond in gaseous molecules) varies with bond length and how the bond length varies across different molecules. Modeling/simulation software can be used. 

Examine the effect of a reactant's surface area on the reaction's rate. 

Calculate the amount of oxalate in different food products like spinach using redox titration.

Investigate the Oxygen Content in Water.

• The oxygen content from several water samples can be calculated using the Winkler method (redox titration using sodium thiosulphate).
• Further, investigate the effect of temperature and pH on oxygen content. 

Examine the endothermic reactions optimal for cooling packs using simple Calorimetry. 

Examine the kinetics and thermodynamics of "Heater meals."

Investigate and explore the effectiveness of various brands of salts for snow removal.

Analyze the effect of changing temperature on the formation of rust on different steel objects.

Examine the effect of increased carbon dioxide on the acidification of saltwater.

Determine how different boiling durations affect the amount of ascorbic acid in yellow bell peppers. 

Examine the material properties of the different allotropes of Carbon, say- Diamond and Graphite (common ones).

Determine how the pH of water affects the adsorption extent of activated charcoal. 

Calculate the moles of chalk needed for you to write down your name on the board. 

During the combustion of aliphatic mono-alcohols, how does the enthalpy change with the change in the number of carbon atoms? 

Use thermal decomposition to determine the formula of an unknown metal salt.

Make use of Polarimetry to investigate, examine and analyze Isomerism.

How do the energy contents of several packaged foods differ from the printed values?

And that's a wrap for now! 

We listed a few tested, specific IB Chemistry IA ideas that can assist you massively while fighting the fear of appearing original on your assessment! 

We can't stress this enough: 

You don't have to research a novel idea; you must authentically go about your project research!

Choosing the perfect IB Chemistry IA topic seems like a monumental task. Even though you've got to be efficient as you browse through ideas, the complete process can be much easier if you approach it methodically. Once you have a great IB Chemistry IA topic in your hand, evaluate your existing research, examine the loopholes, and go through the following key points before you conduct your research on a topic. 

Key Takeaways for obtaining an entire grade on your IB Chemistry IA are compiled below:

• You need to ask yourself, "Is my Chemistry IA topic closely related to my IB Chemistry syllabus?" 
• You need to figure out for yourself if the Chemistry IA topic genuinely interests you or not. 
• Make sure that the scientific context of your project is specific, explicit, and supported by your background research. 
• The apparatus, skills, and techniques required should be determined beforehand. 

Nail IB is the go-to resource providing a platform for all the students who will take their IB exams in the future! We understand how difficult it is to look for and settle on an IB IA topic, as it makes for a great deal of your final score. 

Do you need help selecting IB IA topics for other subjects? 

Check out our  blogs  and  resources  for different subjects to quickly grab those IA marks and ultimately excel on your IB! 

For a clearer perspective on the entire IA assembling process, check out more blogs on  Nail IB  and hustle towards success! 

IB Resources you will love!

55234 + free ib flashcards, 176 + free ia samples, 3965 + ib videos by experts, 20099 + ib sample practice questions, ib resources for 30 + subjects.

Choosing a Chemistry IA Research Question

Choosing a Research Question for the Internal Assessment

Confused about what a Research Question is? This guide will help you understand what they are and how to pick a good one.

The Internal Assessment (IA) is a mini-research project. It is an opportunity to show-off your chemistry skills and knowledge and investigate interesting ideas without the pressure and constraints of the written exams.

The IA requires you to design and carry out an original investigation into a topic of interest related to IB chemistry, then produce a 6 – 12 page report of your findings. Worth 20% (the same as paper 1), the project and report should be of a high standard – the very best ones are of university research standard.

Central to your IA is the research question , around which your entire project revolves.

What is a research question?

Your research question states the aim and context of your investigation. It may be phrased as a statement or a question and it can be in more than one part, provided that each part is properly defined and focused on a common aim.

Importantly, it needs to be fully focused and clear , meaning someone reading it should understand what you investigated, the context, and what you did experimentally. The research question should not simply be a restatement of your project title.

Choosing your research question

The research question is a focused summary of your project aims, so the process of choosing one and refining it ensures you’ve thought properly about your project and is a good exercise to go through.

The flow diagram below is one I’ve used with my past students to help them identify their research question, variables and hypothesis:

To use this method:

• Think about the ‘big idea’ behind your potential project and identify the chemical reaction at its centre. (Note that for projects involving measurements of physical properties or molecular modelling, you might have a physical system or a molecule instead of a chemical reaction).
• Think about which factors will affect the reaction, focusing on only those that are relevant and that can be measured and controlled
• Determine what it is you will deliberately change, how you will change it ( e.g. how many values), and what you are going to measure as the outcome

Research question variables

Your research question should contain your independent and dependent variables (note this is a recommendation, not a rule).

• Independent variable : the thing you are going to deliberately change in order to see the outcome.
• Dependent variable : the variable you will measure.

You will also need to identify controlled variables, which are things that if not controlled and kept constant, will potentially affect the experimental outcome.

It’s vitally important that your independent variable is scientific and quantifiable ( i.e. you can measurably vary it).

Here are some examples of weak or uninteresting independent variables and how they could be improved:

Is the research question different to a hypothesis?

You should be able to generate a hypothesis describing how your dependent variable will change for a given number of independent variable values (usually, a range of 3-5 values).

So, what’s a hypothesis? It’s your prediction about the outcome of your experiment. Your hypothesis predicts how your independent variable will affect the outcome (dependent variable). You then test the prediction by experiment and will either find your results support your research question hypothesis, or don’t support it.

Refining your research question

Suppose a student wants to investigate whether “superfoods” contain more vitamin C than other foods (this sort of food chemistry project is popular).

Here are some of their potential research questions:

• Vitamin C content of vegetables – this is a project title, not a research question
• Analysis of vitamin C in vegetables – this is not focused enough
• Analysis of vitamin C content of superfoods using redox titration – this is better but the focus is unclear
• Using redox titration to determine whether the vitamin C concentration of so-called superfoods is higher than normal vegetables – this is better since it’s fully-focused, provides context for the investigation and contains the dependent variable.

But wait, this is NOT a good project idea!

The independent variable here is type of vegetable. This is not a quantifiable variable ! The outcome of the project is not rooted in scientific principles that can be investigated and correlated, so this would be a weak IA.

You must choose a project where you will change something over a range of values and then measure an outcome.

Tablet brands or types of fruits are not independent variables. There is specific guidance on this in the Science IA Guidelines, which state: “ The straightforward comparison of two organisms or “brands” probably represents a weak RQ since the underlying cause of any difference does not arise from any scientific principle ”.

Avoid weak and poorly-connected RQs

IAs sometimes seem to have a weak connection between the research question and what was actually done. This often occurs when a student wants to research a ‘big question’ that involves complex systems, many variables, and would realistically take a year to investigate. Because they can’t do that, they end up taking the ‘big question’ and reducing it down to a more mundane research question. Here are some examples:

Meeting the personal engagement criteria

• Ensure your project is something you are genuinely curious about and can show that in your report
• Ensure that you take ownership of the project and steer it using your own initiative
• Ensure that it’s clear in your report that you have engaged with your chose topic
• Be creative in your approach to designing your experimental programme

Don’t just copy an existing IA you found online, such as one from my list here !

Meeting the originality criteria

You have to pick a project that enables you to show initiative and creativity, and that is demanding to investigate.

• It must not involve experiments where the outcome is well-known and well-documented (what’s the point of investigating it?)
• It therefore can’t be a commonplace school science experiment.
• It should be more challenging and original than the class practicals you should have done as part of the chemistry IB

It also shouldn’t be something you can find the answer to in you IB chemistry textbook or in the IB chemistry data booklet e.g. how surface area affects reaction rate or determining the enthalpy of combustion of butane

Which projects work well?

Projects that can often be reliably executed are physical chemistry projects involving data collection experiments. Often, you will be able to find very reproducible experimental procedures that you can adapt for your project idea For example:

• measuring rates of reaction
• measuring activation energies
• determining enthalpy changes by calorimetry
• titrations (acid-base or redox) to determine unknowns
• spectroscopy or colorimetry to investigate mineral, vitamin or ion concentrations

However, just because physical chemistry projects tend to work well in the lab and produce good results, it does not mean you are guaranteed to get a top mark by picking one. You are marked on the quality of your research and report, not just how well the experiments worked and how good your results are.

Project selection questions

To help choose a good IA, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following questions about your project:

• Is your topic relevant to the IB chemistry syllabus?
• Do you have genuine curiosity for this topic and will you be able to communicate that in your report?
• Is your research question suitably demanding with a strong scientific setting?
• Will your research question allow you to show creativity and initiative in the project?
• Is your project original?
• If the project is novel and risky, are you likely to be able to satisfy the assessment criteria in other ways?
• Are the project outcomes non-obvious?
• Will you be able to complete the project in around ten hours?
• Can you show that the scientific context for your project is clear, valid and supported by your background research?
• Have you carried out a risk assessment to identify potential health and safety issues?
• Is the project feasible on ethical grounds? (it cannot involve any animal experimentation for example)
• What are the main apparatus, skills and techniques required?
• Are the required apparatus and chemicals available and not too expensive?
• Do you need to learn any new experimental techniques to carry out your project?
• Will the project generate data that you can analyse and present in your report?
• Will you need to use secondary data?
• Can you demonstrate maths and graphing skills in your report?
• What are your main experimental errors and how can you plan for these?
• How will you ensure your results are reliable?
• How will you ensure fair-testing?

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Develop your research question

• Search for your assignment
• Find books and journal articles
• Find government and organisation information
• Properties and calculations
• Drug information
• Assignment Help

STEP 1: Understand your research objective

Before you start developing your research question, think about your research objectives:

• What are you trying to do? (compare, analyse)
• What do you need to know about the topic?
• What type of research are you doing?
• What types of information/studies do you need? (e.g. randomised controlled trial, case study, guideline, protocol?)
• Does the information need to be current?

Watch the following video (6:26) to get you started:

Key points from the video

• All good academic research starts with a research question.
• A research question is an actual question you want to answer about a particular topic.
• Developing a question helps you focus on an aspect of your topic, which will streamline your research and writing.
• Pick a topic you are interested in.
• Narrow the topic to a particular aspect.
• Brainstorm some questions around your topic aspect.
• Select a question to work with.
• Focus the question by making it more specific. Make sure your question clearly states who, what, when, where, and why.
• A good research question focuses on one issue only and requires analysis.
• Your search for information should be directed by your research question.
• Your thesis or hypothesis should be a direct answer to your research question, summarised into one sentence.

STEP 2: Search before you research

The benefits of doing a background search :

• You can gather more background knowledge on a subject
• explore different aspects of your topic
• identify additional keywords and terminology

STEP 3: Choose a topic

The resources linked below are a good place to start: 

• UpToDate It covers thousands of clinical topics grouped into specialties with links to articles, drugs and drug interaction databases, medical calculators and guidelines.
• An@tomedia This online anatomy resource features images, videos, and slides together with interactive, educational text and quiz questions.
• Anatomy.tv Find 3D anatomical images; functional anatomy animations and videos, and MRI, anatomy, and clinical slides. Test your knowledge through interactive activities and quizzes.

STEP 4: Brainstorm your questions

Now you have explored different aspects of your topic, you may construct more focused questions (you can create a few questions and pick one later).

Learn more: 

• Clear and present questions: formulating questions for evidence based practice (Booth 2006) This article provides an overview of thinking in relation to the theory and practice of formulating answerable research questions.

STEP 5: Pick a question and focus

Once you have a few questions to choose from, pick one and refine it even further.

Are you required to use "PICO"?

• PICO worksheet
• Other frameworks

The PICO framework (or other variations) can be useful for developing an answerable clinical question. 

The example question used in this guide is a PICO question:   How does speech therapy compare to cognitive behavioural therapy in improving speech fluency in adolescents?

Use the interactive PICO worksheet to get started with your question, or you can download the worksheet document.

• Building your question with PICO

Here are some different frameworks you may want to use:

There are a number of PICO variations which can be used for different types of questions, such as qualitative, and background and foreground questions. Visit the Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Guide to learn more:

• Evidence Based Practice guide
• << Previous: Plan your search
• Next: Search for your assignment >>
• Last Updated: Apr 18, 2024 10:51 AM
• URL: https://guides.library.unisa.edu.au/Chemistry

The text within this Guide is licensed CC BY 4.0 . Image licenses can be found within the image attributions document on the last page of the Guide. Ask the Library for information about reuse rights for other content within this Guide.

IB Chemistry IA: 60 Examples and Guidance

Charles Whitehouse

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 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.

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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

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, and seek feedback from their teachers or tutors.

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Written by: Charles Whitehouse

Charles scored 45/45 on the International Baccalaureate and has six years' experience tutoring IB and IGCSE students and advising them with their university applications. He studied a double integrated Masters at Magdalen College Oxford and has worked as a research scientist and strategy consultant.

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Developing a Research Question

From Laurier Library. 

Selecting and Narrowing a Topic

Choose an area of interest to explore. .

For you to successfully finish a research project, it is important to choose a research topic that is relevant to your field of study and piques your curiosity. The flip side is that curiosity can take you down long and winding paths, so you also need to consider scope in how to effectively cover the topic in the space that you have available. If there's an idea or concept you've recently learned that's stuck with you, that might be a good place to start !

Gather background information.

You may not know right away what your research question is - that's okay! Start out with a broad topic, and see what information is out there through cursory background research. This will help you explore possibilities and narrow your topic to something manageable.    Do a few quick searches in OneSearch@IU  or in other relevant sources. See what other researchers have already written to help narrow your focus.  

Narrow your topic.

  Once you have a sense of how other researchers are talking about the topics you’re interested, narrow down your topic by asking the 5 Ws

• Who – population or group (e.g., working class, college students, Native Americans)
• What – discipline or focus (e.g., anthropological or art history)
• Where – geographic location (e.g., United States; universities; small towns; Standing Rock)
• When – time period or era (17 th century; contemporary; 2017)
• Why – why is the topic important? (to the class, to the field, or to you)

Broad topic: Native American representations in museums

Narrowed topic: Museum efforts to adhere to NAGPRA

Adapted from: University of Michigan. (2023 Finding and Exploring your topic. Retrieved from  https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=283095&p=1886086

From Topic to Research Question

So, you have done some background research and narrowed down your topic. Now what? Start to turn that topic into a series of questions that you will attempt to answer the course of your research.  Keep in mind that you will probably end up changing and adjusting the question(s) you have as you gather more information and synthesize it in your writing. However, having a clear line of inquiry can help you maintain a sense of your direction, which will then in turn help you evaluate sources and identify relevant information throughout your research process. 

Exploratory questions.

These are the questions that comes from a genuine curiosity about your topic. When narrowing down your topic, you got a good sense of the Who, What, When, and Where of things. Now it’s time to consider

• Asking open-ended “how” and “why” questions about your general topic, which can lead you to better explanations about a phenomenon or concept
• Consider the “so what?” of your topic. Why does this topic matter to you? Why should it matter to others? What are the implications of the information you’re discovering through the search process to the Who and the What of your topic?

Evaluate your research question.

Use the following to determine if any of the questions you generated would be appropriate and workable for your assignment. 

• Is your question clear ? Do you have a specific aspect of your general topic that you are going to explore further? Will the reader of your research be able to keep it in mind?
• Is your question focused? Will you be able to cover the topic adequately in the space available? Are you able to concisely ask the question?
• Is your question and arguable ? If it can be answered with a simple Yes or No, then dig deeper. Once you get to “it depends on X, Y, and Z” then you might be getting on the right track.

Hypothesize. 

Once you have developed your research question, consider how you will attempt to answer or address it. 

• What connections can you make between the research you’ve read and your research question? Why do those connections matter?
• What other kinds of sources will you need in order to support your argument?
• If someone refutes the answer to your research question, what is your argument to back up your conclusion?
• How might others challenge your argument? Why do those challenges ultimately not hold water?

Adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center. (2018). How to write a research question. Retrieved from  https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/research-based-writing/how-to-write-a-research-question

Sample research questions.

A good research question is clear, focused, and has an appropriate level of complexity. Developing a strong question is a process, so you will likely refine your question as you continue to research and to develop your ideas.  

Unclear : Why are social networking sites harmful?

Clear:  How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on such social networking sites as Facebook and TikTok?

Unfocused:  What is the effect on the environment from global warming?

Focused:  How is glacial melting affecting penguins in Antarctica?

Simple vs Complex

Too simple:  How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.?

Appropriately Complex:   What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in America, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease?

General Online Reference Sources

Reference sources like dictionaries and encylopedias provide general information about various subjects. They also include definitions that may help you break down your topic and understand it better. Sources includes in these entries can be springboards for more in-depth research.

A note on citation: Reference sources are generally not cited since they usually consist of common knowledge (e.g. who was the first United States President).  But if you're unsure whether to cite something it's best to do so. Specific pieces of information and direct quotes should always be cited. 

Database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources.

Encyclopedias and specialized reference resources in: Arts, Biography, History, Information and Publishing, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, Nation and World, Religion, Science, Social Science

Why Use References Sources

Reference sources are a great place to begin your research. They can help you:

• gain an overview of a topic
• explore potential research areas
• identify key issues, publications, or authors in your research area

From here, you can narrow your search topic and look at more specialized sources.

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Chemistry Education Research and Practice

A guide to research question writing for undergraduate chemistry education research students.

a EASTChem School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK E-mail: [email protected]

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M. K. Seery, Chem. Educ. Res. Pract. , 2020,  21 , 1020 DOI: 10.1039/D0RP90010A

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Undergraduate Research in Chemistry Guide

Research is the pursuit of new knowledge through the process of discovery. Scientific research involves diligent inquiry and systematic observation of phenomena. Most scientific research projects involve experimentation, often requiring testing the effect of changing conditions on the results. The conditions under which specific observations are made must be carefully controlled, and records must be meticulously maintained. This ensures that observations and results can be are reproduced. Scientific research can be basic (fundamental) or applied. What is the difference? The National Science Foundation uses the following definitions in its resource surveys:

• Basic research The objective of basic research is to gain more comprehensive knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, without specific applications in mind. In industry, basic research is defined as research that advances scientific knowledge but does not have specific immediate commercial objectives, although it may be in fields of present or potential commercial interest.
• Applied research Applied research is aimed at gaining knowledge or understanding to determine the means by which a specific, recognized need may be met. In industry, applied research includes investigations oriented to discovering new scientific knowledge that has specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or services.

Get on the path to graduate school with our comprehensive guide to selecting an institution and preparing for graduate studies.

What is research at the undergraduate level?

At the undergraduate level, research is self-directed work under the guidance and supervision of a mentor/advisor ― usually a university professor. A gradual transition towards independence is encouraged as a student gains confidence and is able to work with minor supervision. Students normally participate in an ongoing research project and investigate phenomena of interest to them and their advisor. In the chemical sciences, the range of research areas is quite broad. A few groups maintain their research area within a single classical field of analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, chemical education or theoretical chemistry. More commonly, research groups today are interdisciplinary, crossing boundaries across fields and across other disciplines, such as physics, biology, materials science, engineering and medicine.

What are the benefits of being involved in undergraduate research?

There are many benefits to undergraduate research, but the most important are:

• Learning, learning, learning. Most chemists learn by working in a laboratory setting. Information learned in the classroom is more clearly understood and it is more easily remembered once it has been put into practice. This knowledge expands through experience and further reading. From the learning standpoint, research is an extremely productive cycle.
• Experiencing chemistry in a real world setting. The equipment, instrumentation and materials used in research labs are generally more sophisticated, advanced, and of far better quality than those used in lab courses
• Getting the excitement of discovery. If science is truly your vocation, regardless of any negative results, the moment of discovery will be truly exhilarating. Your results are exclusive. No one has ever seen them before.
• Preparing for graduate school. A graduate degree in a chemistry-related science is mostly a research degree. Undergraduate research will not only give you an excellent foundation, but working alongside graduate students and post-doctorates will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn what it will be like.

Is undergraduate research required for graduation?

Many chemistry programs now require undergraduate research for graduation. There are plenty of opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research, either during the academic year, summer, or both. If your home institution is not research intensive, you may find opportunities at other institutions, government labs, and industries.

What will I learn by participating in an undergraduate research program?

Conducting a research project involves a series of steps that start at the inquiry level and end in a report. In the process, you learn to:

• Conduct scientific literature searches
• Read, interpret and extract information from journal articles relevant to the project
• Design experimental procedures to obtain data and/or products of interest
• Operate instruments and implement laboratory techniques not usually available in laboratories associated with course work
• Interpret results, reach conclusions, and generate new ideas based on results
• Interact professionally (and socially) with students and professors within the research group, department and school as well as others from different schools, countries, cultures and backgrounds
• Communicate results orally and in writing to other peers, mentors, faculty advisors, and members of the scientific community at large via the following informal group meeting presentations, reports to mentor/advisor, poster presentations at college-wide, regional, national or international meetings; formal oral presentations at scientific meetings; or journal articles prepared for publication

When should I get involved in undergraduate research?

Chemistry is an experimental science. We recommended that you get involved in research as early in your college life as possible. Ample undergraduate research experience gives you an edge in the eyes of potential employers and graduate programs.

While most mentors prefer to accept students in their research labs once they have developed some basic lab skills through general and organic lab courses, some institutions have programs that involve students in research projects the summer prior to their freshman year. Others even involve senior high school students in summer research programs. Ask your academic/departmental advisor about the options available to you.

How much time should I allocate to research?

The quick answer is as much as possible without jeopardizing your course work. The rule of thumb is to spend 3 to 4 hours working in the lab for every credit hour in which you enroll. However, depending on the project, some progress can be achieved in just 3-4 hours of research/week. Most advisors would recommend 8-10 hours/week.

Depending on your project, a few of those hours may be of intense work and the rest may be spent simply monitoring the progress of a reaction or an instrumental analysis. Many research groups work on weekends. Saturdays are excellent days for long, uninterrupted periods of lab work.

How do I select an advisor?

This is probably the most important step in getting involved in undergraduate research. The best approach is multifaceted. Get informed about research areas and projects available in your department, which are usually posted on your departmental website under each professor’s name.

Talk to other students who are already involved in research. If your school has an ACS Student Chapter , make a point to talk to the chapter’s members. Ask your current chemistry professor and lab instructor for advice. They can usually guide you in the right direction. If a particular research area catches your interest, make an appointment with the corresponding professor.

Let the professor know that you are considering getting involved in research, you have read a bit about her/his research program, and that you would like to find out more. Professors understand that students are not experts in the field, and they will explain their research at a level that you will be able to follow. Here are some recommended questions to ask when you meet with this advisor:

• Is there a project(s) within her/his research program suitable for an undergraduate student?
• Does she/he have a position/space in the lab for you?
• If you were to work in her/his lab, would you be supervised directly by her/him or by a graduate student? If it is a graduate student, make a point of meeting with the student and other members of the research group. Determine if their schedule matches yours. A night owl may not be able to work effectively with a morning person.
• Does she/he have funding to support the project? Unfunded projects may indicate that there may not be enough resources in the lab to carry out the project to completion. It may also be an indication that funding agencies/peers do not consider this work sufficiently important enough for funding support. Of course there are exceptions. For example, a newly hired assistant professor may not have external funding yet, but he/she may have received “start-up funds” from the university and certainly has the vote of confidence of the rest of the faculty. Otherwise he/she would not have been hired. Another classical exception is computational chemistry research, for which mostly fast computers are necessary and therefore external funding is needed to support research assistants and computer equipment only. No chemicals, glassware, or instrumentation will be found in a computational chemistry lab.
• How many of his/her articles got published in the last two or three years? When prior work has been published, it is a good indicator that the research is considered worthwhile by the scientific community that reviews articles for publication. Ask for printed references. Number of publications in reputable refereed journals (for example ACS journals) is an excellent indicator of the reputation of the researcher and the quality of his/her work.

Here is one last piece of advice: If the project really excites you and you get satisfactory answers to all your questions, make sure that you and the advisor will get along and that you will enjoy working with him/her and other members of the research group.

Remember that this advisor may be writing recommendation letters on your behalf to future employers, graduate schools, etc., so you want to leave a good impression. To do this, you should understand that the research must move forward and that if you become part of a research team, you should do your best to achieve this goal. At the same time, your advisor should understand your obligations to your course work and provide you with a degree of flexibility.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to do your best on both course work and research. Make sure that the advisor is committed to supervising you as much as you are committed to doing the required work and putting in the necessary/agreed upon hours.

What are some potential challenges?

• Time management . Each project is unique, and it will be up to you and your supervisor to decide when to be in the lab and how to best utilize the time available to move the project forward.
• Different approaches and styles . Not everyone is as clean and respectful of the equipment of others as you are. Not everyone is as punctual as you are. Not everyone follows safety procedures as diligently as you do. Some groups have established protocols for keeping the lab and equipment clean, for borrowing equipment from other members, for handling common equipment, for research meetings, for specific safety procedures, etc. Part of learning to work in a team is to avoid unnecessary conflict while establishing your ground to doing your work efficiently.
• “The project does not work.” This is a statement that advisors commonly hear from students. Although projects are generally very well conceived, and it is people that make projects work, the nature of research is such that it requires patience, perseverance, critical thinking, and on many occasions, a change in direction. Thoroughness, attention to detail, and comprehensive notes are crucial when reporting the progress of a project.

Be informed, attentive, analytical, and objective. Read all the background information. Read user manuals for instruments and equipment. In many instances the reason for failure may be related to dirty equipment, contaminated reagents, improperly set instruments, poorly chosen conditions, lack of thoroughness, and/or lack of resourcefulness. Repeating a procedure while changing one parameter may work sometimes, while repeating the procedure multiple times without systematic changes and observations probably will not.

When reporting failures or problems, make sure that you have all details at hand. Be thorough in you assessment. Then ask questions. Advisors usually have sufficient experience to detect errors in procedures and are able to lead you in the right direction when the student is able to provide all the necessary details. They also have enough experience to know when to change directions. Many times one result may be unexpected, but it may be interesting enough to lead the investigation into a totally different avenue. Communicate with your advisor/mentor often.

Are there places other than my institution where I can conduct research?

Absolutely! Your school may be close to other universities, government labs and/or industries that offer part-time research opportunities during the academic year. There may also be summer opportunities in these institutions as well as in REU sites (see next question).

Contact your chemistry department advisor first. He/she may have some information readily available for you. You can also contact nearby universities, local industries and government labs directly or through the career center at your school. You can also find listings through ACS resources:

• Research Opportunities (US only)
• International Research Opportunities
• Internships and Summer Jobs

What are Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) sites? When should I apply for a position in one of them?

REU is a program established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support active research participation by undergraduate students at host institutions in the United States or abroad. An REU site may offer projects within a single department/discipline or it may have projects that are inter-departmental and interdisciplinary. There are currently over 70 domestic and approximately 5 international REU sites with a chemistry theme. Sites consist of 10-12 students each, although there are larger sites that supplement NSF funding with other sources. Students receive stipends and, in most cases, assistance with housing and travel.

Most REU sites invite rising juniors and rising seniors to participate in research during the summer. Experience in research is not required to apply, except for international sites where at least one semester or summer of prior research experience is recommended. Applications usually open around November or December for participation during the following summer. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Some REU sites with supplementary funds from other sources may accept international students that are enrolled at US institutions.

• Get more information about REU sites

How do I prepare a scientific research poster?

Here are some links to sites with very useful information and samples.

• How to Prepare a Proper Scientific Paper or Poster
• Creating Effective Poster Presentations
• Designing Effective Poster Presentations

Research and Internship Opportunities

• Internships and Fellowships Find internships, fellowships, and cooperative education opportunities.
• SCI Scholars Internship Program Industrial internships for chemistry and chemical engineering undergraduates.
• ACS International Center Fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities around the globe

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100+ Great Chemistry Research Topics

Table of contents

• 1 5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers
• 2 Chemical Engineering Research Topics
• 3 Organic Сhemistry Research Topics
• 4 Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics
• 5 Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics
• 6 Analytical Chemistry Research Topics
• 7 Computational Chemistry Research Topics
• 8 Physical Chemistry Research Topics
• 9 Innovative Chemistry Research Topics
• 10 Environmental Chemistry Research Topics
• 11 Green Chemistry Research Topics
• 12.1 Conclusion

Do you need a topic for your chemistry research paper? Are you unsure of where to start? Don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll go over a series of the best chemistry research paper topics as well as Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers on different topics. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have plenty of ideas to get started on your next research project!

There are many different subfields of chemistry, so it can be tough to find interesting chemistry topics to write about. If you’re struggling to narrow down your topic, we’ll go over lists of topics in multiple fields of study.

Doing research is important to help scientists learn more about the world around us. By researching different compounds and elements, we can learn more about how they interact with one another and how they can be used to create new products or improve existing ones.

There are many different topics that you can choose to research in chemistry. Here are just a few examples:

• The history of chemistry and how it has evolved over time
• How different chemicals react with one another
• How to create new compounds or improve existing ones
• The role of chemistry in the environment
• The health effects of different chemicals

5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers

Once you have chosen a topic for your research paper , it is important to follow some tips to ensure that your paper is well-written and accurate. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Start by doing some background research on your topic. This will help you understand the basics of the topic and give you a good foundation to build your paper on.
• Make sure to cite all of the sources that you use in your paper. This will help to show where you got your information and will also help to add credibility to your work.
• Be sure to proofread your paper before you submit it. This will ensure that there are no errors and that your paper is clear and concise.
• Get help from a tutor or friend if you are struggling with your paper. They may be able to offer helpful advice or feedback.
• Take your time when writing your research paper . This is not a race, and it is important to make sure that you do a good job on your research.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your chemistry research paper will be a success! So what are you waiting for? Let’s go over some of the best research paper topics out there.

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and application of chemical processes. If you’re wondering how to choose a paper topic, here are some ideas to inspire you:

• How to create new alloy compounds or improve existing ones
• The health effects of the food industry chemicals
• Chemical engineering and sustainable development
• The future of chemical engineering
• Chemical engineering and the food industry
• Chemical engineering and the pharmaceutical industry
• Chemical engineering and the cosmetics industry
• Chemical engineering and the petrochemical industry
• Biocompatible materials for drug delivery systems
• Membrane technology in water treatment
• Development of synthetic fibers for industrial use

These are just a few examples – there are many more possibilities out there! So get started on your research today. Who knows what you might discover!

Organic Сhemistry Research Topics

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing molecules. There are many different organic chemistry research topics that a student could choose to focus on and here are just a few examples of possible research projects in organic chemistry:

• Investigating new methods for synthesizing chiral molecules
• Studying the structure and reactivity of carbon nanotubes
• Investigating metal complexes with organometallic ligands
• Designing benzene derivatives with improved thermal stability
• Exploring new ways to control the stereochemistry of chemical reactions
• Studying the role of enzymes in organic synthesis
• Investigating new strategies for combating drug resistance
• Developing new methods for detecting explosives residues
• Studying the photochemistry of organic molecules
• Studying the behavior of organometallic compounds in biological systems
• Synthetic routes for biodegradable plastics
• Catalysis in organic synthesis
• Development of non-toxic solvents

Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry is the study of the chemistry of materials that do not contain carbon. Unlike other chemistry research topics, these include elements such as metals, minerals, and inorganic compounds. If you are looking for inorganic chemistry research topics on inorganic chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

• How different metals react with one another
• How to create new alloys or improve existing ones
• The role of inorganic chemistry in the environment
• Rare earth elements and their applications in electronics
• Inorganic polymers in construction materials
• Photoluminescent materials for energy conversion
• Inorganic chemistry and sustainable development
• The future of inorganic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry and the food industry
• Inorganic chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
• Atomic structure progressive scale grading
• Inorganiс Сhemistry and the cosmetics industry

Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics

Biomolecular chemistry is the study of molecules that are important for life. These molecules can be found in all living things, from tiny bacteria to the largest animals. Researchers who work in this field use a variety of techniques to learn more about how these molecules function and how they interact with each other.

If you are looking for essential biomolecular chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• The structure and function of DNA
• Lipidomics and its applications in disease diagnostics
• The structure and function of proteins
• The role of carbohydrates in the body
• The role of lipids in the body
• How enzymes work
• Protein engineering for therapeutic applications
• The role of biochemistry in heart disease
• Cyanides and their effect on the body
• The role of biochemistry in cancer treatment
• The role of biochemistry in Parkison’s disease treatment
• The role of biochemistry in the immune system
• Carbohydrate-based vaccines

The possibilities are endless for someone willing to dedicate some time to research.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

Analytical Chemistry is a type of chemistry that helps scientists figure out what something is made of. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as spectroscopy or chromatography. If you are looking for research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• How food chemicals react with one another
• Mass spectrometry
• Microplastics detection in marine environments
• Development of sensors for heavy metal detection in water
• Analytical aspects of gas and liquid chromatography
• Analytical chemistry and sustainable development
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy methods and best practices
• Analytical chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry in Ibuprofen consumption
• Analytical chemistry and the cosmetics industry in UV protectors
• High-throughput screening methods in pharmaceutical analysis
• Dispersive X-ray analysis of damaged tissues

Analytical chemistry is considered by many a complex science and there is a lot yet to be discovered in the field.

Computational Chemistry Research Topics

Computational chemistry is a way to use computers to help chemists understand chemical reactions. This can be done by simulating reactions or by designing new molecules. If you are looking for essential chemistry research topics in computational chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Molecular mechanics simulation
• Machine learning applications in predicting molecular properties
• Reaction rates of complex chemical reactions
• Designing new molecules: how can simulation help
• The role of computers in the study of quantum mechanics
• How to use computers to predict chemical reactions
• Using computers to understand organic chemistry
• The future of computational Chemistry in organic reactions
• The impacts of simulation on the development of new medications
• Combustion reaction simulation impact on engine development
• Quantum-chemistry simulation review
• Simulation of protein folding and misfolding in diseases
• Development of algorithms for chemical synthesis planning
• Applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks in water sequestration and catalysis

Computers are cutting-edge technology in chemical research and this relatively new field of study has a ton yet to be explored.

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical chemistry is the study of how matter behaves. It looks at the physical and chemical properties of atoms and molecules and how they interact with each other. If you are looking for physical chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Standardization of pH scales
• Structure of atom on a quantum scale
• Bonding across atoms and molecules
• The effect of temperature on chemical reactions
• The role of light in in-body chemical reactions
• Chemical kinetics
• Molecular dynamics in confined spaces
• Quantum computing for solving chemical problems
• Studies on non-Newtonian fluids in industrial processes
• Surface tension and its effects on mixtures
• The role of pressure in chemical reactions
• Rates of diffusion in gases and liquids
• The role of entropy in chemical reactions

Here are just a few samples, but there are plenty more options! Start your research right now!

Innovative Chemistry Research Topics

Innovative chemistry is all about coming up with new ideas and ways to do things. This can be anything from creating new materials to finding new ways to make existing products. If you are looking for ground-breaking chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Amino acids side chain effects in protein folding
• Chemistry in the production of nanomaterials
• The role of enzymes in chemical reactions
• Photocatalysis in 3D printing
• Avoiding pesticides in agriculture
• Combining chemical and biological processes
• Gene modification in medicinal chemistry
• The role of quantum mechanics in chemical reactions
• Astrochemical research on extraterrestrial molecules
• Spectroscopy signatures of pressurized organic components
• Development of smart materials with responsive properties
• Chemistry in space: studying chemical reactions in microgravity
• Utilization of CO2 in chemical synthesis
• Use of black soldier fly carcasses for bioplastic production using extracted chitin
• Bioorthogonal chemistry for molecule synthesis inside living systems

If you need a hand, there are several sites that also offer research papers for sale and can be a great asset as you work to create your own research papers.

Whatever route you decide to take, good luck! And remember – the sky’s the limit when it comes to research! So get started today and see where your studies may take you. Who knows, you might just make a breakthrough discovery!

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental Chemistry is the study of how chemicals interact with the environment. This can include anything from the air we breathe to the water we drink. If you are looking for environmental chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Plastic effects on ocean life
• Urban ecology
• The role of carbon in climate change
• Air pollution and its effects
• Water pollution and its effects
• Chemicals in food and their effect on the body
• The effect of chemicals on plant life
• Earth temperature prediction models
• Effects of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments
• Atmospheric chemistry and urban air quality
• Bioremediation techniques for oil spill cleanup
• Regulatory and environmental impact of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) substances
• Comparison of chemical regulation impacts like PFA with historical cases such as lead in fuel

A lot of research on the environment is being conducted at the moment because the environment is in danger. There are a lot of environmental problems that need to be solved, and research is the key to solving them.

Green Chemistry Research Topics

Green chemistry is the study of how to make products and processes that are environmentally friendly. This can include anything from finding new ways to recycle materials to developing new products that are biodegradable. If you are looking for green chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Recycling and reuse of materials
• Developing biodegradable materials
• Improving existing recycling processes
• Green chemistry and sustainable development
• The future of green chemistry
• Green chemistry and the food industry
• Lifecycle assessment of chemical processes
• Green chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
• Development of catalysts for green chemistry
• Green chemistry and the cosmetics industry
• Alternative energy sources for chemical synthesis

A more environmentally friendly world is something we all aspire for and a lot of research has been conducted on how we can achieve this, making this one of the most promising areas of study. The results have been varied, but there are a few key things we can do to make a difference.

Controversial Chemistry Research Topics

Controversial chemistry is all about hot-button topics that people are passionate about. This can include anything from the use of chemicals in warfare to the health effects of different chemicals. If you are looking for controversial topics to write about , here are some ideas to get you started:

• The use of chemicals in warfare
• Gene modification in human babies
• Bioengineering
• How fast food chemicals affect the human brain
• The role of the government in regulating chemicals
• Evolution of cigarette chemicals over time
• Chemical effects of CBD oils
• Ethical issues in genetic modification of organisms
• Nuclear energy: risks and benefits
• Use of chemicals in electronic waste recycling
• Antidepressant chemical reactions
• Synthetic molecule replication methods
• Gene analysis

Controversial research papers often appear in the media before it has been peer-reviewed and published in a scientific journal. The reason for this is that the media is interested in stories that are new, exciting, and generate a lot of debate.

Chemistry is an incredibly diverse and interesting field, with many controversial topics to write about. If you are looking for a research topic, consider the examples listed in this article. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

In order to be a good researcher, it is important to be able to think critically and solve problems. However, innovation in chemistry research can be challenging. When thinking about how to innovate, it is important to consider both the practical and theoretical aspects of your research. Additionally, try to build on the work of others in order to create something new and unique. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to be able to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

Happy writing!

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Research Question Examples 🧑🏻‍🏫

25+ Practical Examples & Ideas To Help You Get Started 

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | October 2023

A well-crafted research question (or set of questions) sets the stage for a robust study and meaningful insights.  But, if you’re new to research, it’s not always clear what exactly constitutes a good research question. In this post, we’ll provide you with clear examples of quality research questions across various disciplines, so that you can approach your research project with confidence!

Research Question Examples

• Psychology research questions
• Business research questions
• Education research questions
• Healthcare research questions
• Computer science research questions

Examples: Psychology

Let’s start by looking at some examples of research questions that you might encounter within the discipline of psychology.

How does sleep quality affect academic performance in university students?

This question is specific to a population (university students) and looks at a direct relationship between sleep and academic performance, both of which are quantifiable and measurable variables.

What factors contribute to the onset of anxiety disorders in adolescents?

The question narrows down the age group and focuses on identifying multiple contributing factors. There are various ways in which it could be approached from a methodological standpoint, including both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Do mindfulness techniques improve emotional well-being?

This is a focused research question aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific intervention.

How does early childhood trauma impact adult relationships?

This research question targets a clear cause-and-effect relationship over a long timescale, making it focused but comprehensive.

Is there a correlation between screen time and depression in teenagers?

This research question focuses on an in-demand current issue and a specific demographic, allowing for a focused investigation. The key variables are clearly stated within the question and can be measured and analysed (i.e., high feasibility).

Examples: Business/Management

Next, let’s look at some examples of well-articulated research questions within the business and management realm.

How do leadership styles impact employee retention?

This is an example of a strong research question because it directly looks at the effect of one variable (leadership styles) on another (employee retention), allowing from a strongly aligned methodological approach.

What role does corporate social responsibility play in consumer choice?

Current and precise, this research question can reveal how social concerns are influencing buying behaviour by way of a qualitative exploration.

Does remote work increase or decrease productivity in tech companies?

Focused on a particular industry and a hot topic, this research question could yield timely, actionable insights that would have high practical value in the real world.

How do economic downturns affect small businesses in the homebuilding industry?

Vital for policy-making, this highly specific research question aims to uncover the challenges faced by small businesses within a certain industry.

Which employee benefits have the greatest impact on job satisfaction?

By being straightforward and specific, answering this research question could provide tangible insights to employers.

Examples: Education

Next, let’s look at some potential research questions within the education, training and development domain.

How does class size affect students’ academic performance in primary schools?

This example research question targets two clearly defined variables, which can be measured and analysed relatively easily.

Do online courses result in better retention of material than traditional courses?

Timely, specific and focused, answering this research question can help inform educational policy and personal choices about learning formats.

What impact do US public school lunches have on student health?

Targeting a specific, well-defined context, the research could lead to direct changes in public health policies.

To what degree does parental involvement improve academic outcomes in secondary education in the Midwest?

This research question focuses on a specific context (secondary education in the Midwest) and has clearly defined constructs.

What are the negative effects of standardised tests on student learning within Oklahoma primary schools?

This research question has a clear focus (negative outcomes) and is narrowed into a very specific context.

Need a helping hand?

Examples: Healthcare

Shifting to a different field, let’s look at some examples of research questions within the healthcare space.

What are the most effective treatments for chronic back pain amongst UK senior males?

Specific and solution-oriented, this research question focuses on clear variables and a well-defined context (senior males within the UK).

How do different healthcare policies affect patient satisfaction in public hospitals in South Africa?

This question is has clearly defined variables and is narrowly focused in terms of context.

Which factors contribute to obesity rates in urban areas within California?

This question is focused yet broad, aiming to reveal several contributing factors for targeted interventions.

Does telemedicine provide the same perceived quality of care as in-person visits for diabetes patients?

Ideal for a qualitative study, this research question explores a single construct (perceived quality of care) within a well-defined sample (diabetes patients).

Which lifestyle factors have the greatest affect on the risk of heart disease?

This research question aims to uncover modifiable factors, offering preventive health recommendations.

Examples: Computer Science

Last but certainly not least, let’s look at a few examples of research questions within the computer science world.

What are the perceived risks of cloud-based storage systems?

Highly relevant in our digital age, this research question would align well with a qualitative interview approach to better understand what users feel the key risks of cloud storage are.

Which factors affect the energy efficiency of data centres in Ohio?

With a clear focus, this research question lays a firm foundation for a quantitative study.

How do TikTok algorithms impact user behaviour amongst new graduates?

While this research question is more open-ended, it could form the basis for a qualitative investigation.

What are the perceived risk and benefits of open-source software software within the web design industry?

Practical and straightforward, the results could guide both developers and end-users in their choices.

Remember, these are just examples…

In this post, we’ve tried to provide a wide range of research question examples to help you get a feel for what research questions look like in practice. That said, it’s important to remember that these are just examples and don’t necessarily equate to good research topics . If you’re still trying to find a topic, check out our topic megalist for inspiration.

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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IB Chemistry IA Guide: Format, Topics, Rubric, And Assessment

by  Antony W

October 20, 2022

For most students, the IB Chemistry IA (Internal Assessment) assignment lurks on the path to academic success like a sphinx with an impossible riddle. The analogy is quite right too, given that the assignments take up a hefty 20% of your total marks in the coursework.

If you are reading this, you are likely confused by the guesswork that surrounds the entire exam. Luckily for you, we at Help for Assessments are old hands at chemistry assignments including IB internal assessments. We will guide you through the process as we debunk the 'nightmare' that is a chemistry IA to make sure you ace it.

If you would love a little more practical help than this detailed guide, our team of experts is at your disposal to carry out your chemistry IA with polished skill. As a multi-faceted team, we are experts in every form of academic writing assignments and projects. Don't be shy, check out our range of services  and order your very own writing expert today.

If you still want to proceed, its time you put your apprehension away as we take a practical look into how you can pass the chemistry IA.

This guide will explore the sections and format of a chemistry IA, a look into the marking criteria used, and suggestions at every point to help show you what is expected of you.

What is a Chemistry IA

The IB chemistry IA is an investigative essay that seeks to explain the chemistry behind common real-world phenomena. It seeks to assess your grasp of chemistry up to the level achieved in your coursework through practical application of the skills gained.

Unlike regular test which many students cram their way through, the chemistry IA needs a high level of independent skill, research work, and personal effort to complete.

Coupled with all the other stressful assignments in other subjects, the chemistry IA sometimes feels like an insurmountable problem partly because of the sheer amount of guesswork.

The assignment seeks to develop independent thinking and creative application of concepts learned to the real world. If you can do this successfully, you will earn top marks in the assignment. The first task you have with the chemistry internal assignment is choosing an appropriate topic.

Choosing a Topic for Your Chemistry IA

The first consideration you should take into account when choosing a topic for the IB chemistry IA is that it should be personal. That means it should be one that interests you personally, adapted to your particular cause, and related with a personal touch throughout the text.

To achieve full marks, your topic and essay must meet the conditions set out by the descriptors on IB’s chem page .

However, in the search for authenticity and originality, many students get themselves in a rut trying to invent procedures and experiments. Notice that the paper is looking for independent thinking, creativeness, and initiative.

The best way to achieve these criteria without knocking your brains out is to adapt existing experiments, procedures, or other ideas to your investigation. What you need to showcase is authentic inspiration and highly personalized methods, which you can easily do by adapting existing ones.

Let's say, for example, that you want to investigate the calories in the food you eat. Of course, that is a washed-out idea. How about you give it a new twist and investigate how cooking Ideal Protein packs affects their calorie content? This is something you can do easily with a calorimeter in the lab.

For those who don’t know, Ideal Protein is a popular, albeit shady, weight loss program when dieters substitute daily food for prepackaged ultra-refined protein packets. If you have ever tried it, you can tie it to the investigation to show innovation and inspiration.

The same goes for other common chemistry experiments you will find online, in books, journals, magazines, and other common sources.

With a topic in hand, it's time to plan the investigation and structure it accordingly.

Chemistry IA Format

You will be carrying out the IA assignment in stages, but very little of it will be actual lab work. Most of the work is in the research involved and crafting the actual write up.

So, while we are confident you can handle the actual experimentation (your instructor will be more than glad to help), let us show you how to structure the write up.

There will be seven important parts of the write up, which for the sake of simplicity we will keep calling an essay. The image below will give you a rough idea of how each section appears, but we shall also take a more in-depth look into some of the parts.

Parts of a Chemistry IA

The following image shows a sample structure of a chemistry IA. Please note that it is strictly for guidance only; in no way is it to be taken as a must-use format. Your instructor will usually provide exhaustive instructions in this regard.

Introduction

Your introduction is meant to tell your reader why they should keep reading. Here, give in very brief detail what your experiment is about, why you chose it, and stress your personal connection to the subject matter. You first person ‘I’ or ‘We’ pronouns to achieve this.

a) Background

As part of the Introduction, the background is meant to enhance the reader’s understanding of the context of your investigation. Include a general review of the science behind the concept, backed by facts and evidence.

You can also include the equations and mathematical formulas that you will be using in the assignment.

b) Hypothesis

The hypothesis is meant to be a justification for the choice of science concepts you use to explain the claim under investigation.

More technically, it should be a specific prediction about the outcome of your experiment or how the dependent variable will change with the independent one.

For example, with our example, our hypothesis might be:

“Using calorimeters to find out whether Ideal Protein packs change in calorie content value upon cooking in various ways.”

In any other discipline, this section would probably be called ‘methodology’ or ‘procedure.’ This is the part where you tell, in complete detail, how you carry out your experiment.

a) Research Question

The design part starts with a research question in the form ‘how is x dependent on Y?’ It should be a highly specific question outlining the variance you are investigating, stated without any ambiguity.

b) Variables

Outline fully what your variables are, outlining the three types:

• Independent variables - the factor you manipulate and set parameters for.
• Dependent variable - the variable you want to determine by measuring or calculating.
• Controlled variable - other variables or factors that influence the outcome and which should either be controlled or taken into consideration in the outcome.

As part of the design, the method or procedure is a detailed explanation of how you carried out the experiment or tests required to measure the variables. No matter how strong the temptation is, do not take this section off a chemistry book or lap report.

Most students trip on this section because they forget the procedure is supposed to be specially adapted and personalized for this assessment.

If you were choosing a reagent, state why you chose it. If you are choosing a flask, show the reasoning behind your choice. For example, 'use a glass stirring rod instead of a metallic one to prevent reaction with the reagent …'

It is also a good idea to include a diagram of your setup and describe any modifications you had to improvise. A picture will also do.

a) Raw Data

Record your data as soon as you collect it. This is usually done in tables where you can compare the variables easily and fill in the gaps quickly. You need to collect both quantitative (measured, e.g. 10g of residue) and qualitative data (observed, e.g. color change, bubbles).

Report every measured value and include every field on the same table where possible. If any of the data values don't match, you can enter it in different fields.

b) Analysis

Use your measured data to calculate totals, averages, correlations, among others. Draw graphs and charts as needed. Be sure to show the entirety of your working including the formulas you used. Note any uncertainties and margins of error expected.

If you have an accepted value for that kind of experiment, compare the two and see how close they come to each other. If you have graphs, make them appealing, give them names, and name them accordingly.

The conclusion should be a rewording of your research question to give an answer based on the trend observed and proved by your results. The conclusion is a three-part section that also includes:

a) Evaluation

The evaluation is a critical review of your methods and how well the procedure you chose worked to your benefit (or not). If there are any discordant data/outlier points, discuss them here.

b) Improvements

Suggest any improvements or changes you would make if you were to repeat the experiment. What would you advise anyone else using the same procedure for the experiment? Do you have any suggestions to make it better?

Marking Criteria for Your Chemistry IA

By now, you can tell that personal engagement is a pretty big deal in your chemistry IA, but it is not the only one.

Markers will rely on several other criteria to grade your work, including:

1. Exploration

Exploration is a measure of how well you establish a scientific context for the project. It measures how well focused and grounded your research question is, as well as your awareness and knowledge of safety, environmental, and ethical concerns involved, if any.

2. Methodology

This criterion measures how clearly and thoroughly you set out your procedure. You should have at least 5 variations or manipulations of the independent variable and 3 trials for each.

You should collect as many significant data points as possible, set out any safety procedures taken, and qualify each choice of equipment and supplies. 

3. Analysis 

This metric measures your data collection, organizational, and presentation skills. All calculations must be shown clearly, formulas displayed, and all qualitative and quantitative data recorded.

4. Evaluation 

This metric contributes 6 marks to the total 20 and assesses how well the results obtained serve to prove/disprove your research question in the accepted context.

You also get points for suggesting useful improvements, noting and owning up to any weakness of the methodology, and describing the strength of the correlation between the results and the hypothesis. 

5. Communication

This criterion is a measure of how clearly and effectively you presented yourself in the essay.

6. Personal Engagement

As discussed, you will need to completely own the entire project from start to finish. Choose every word with care, especially if you use textbook sources along the way. Cite each of these appropriately because, needless to say, plagiarism is a capital crime in the assessment.

Need Help With Your Chemistry IA Assignment?

Many students are tempted to rush through with the assignment to be ‘over and done with’ it. However, such IB assessments are tricky because they test not only the outcomes, but also the process, the student’s state of mind, and the overall circumstances surrounding the assessment.

If you truly want to be 'over and done with' the assignment, the only way to do it is to be diligent and do it as meticulously as you can. However, you can also hand over the entire problem to chemistry internal assessment experts at Help for Assessments to write it for you.

With years of experience and skill in the market, we will take the burden off your hands and do the entire assessment for you in record time and at the lowest prices. If you want to experience total peace of mind, order our stellar services here. We are here for you, always.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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Chemistry writing resources, starting a lab report or research paper, general writing style information, parts of research paper or report.

• Citations and References
• Return to Main Chemistry Guide

To get started writing a research paper or laboratory report, it is important to consider if you have enough data or enough information to compose a paper.  Additionally, it is also important to consider what you want you want to report and how to report it--clear communication of results is crucial when discussing the experiments. 

This American Chemical Society (ACS) blog post on  How to Write a Research Paper provides some general guidelines to determine when to write a paper and how to get started when it comes to reporting and communicating the results of an experiment or experiments.

Every discipline has a style and format that is used for scholarly communication, and chemistry as a field has a certain format for papers as well as a a style of writing that developed as the field itself grew and information was shared and published.

General Style and Writing Guidelines:

• Chemistry is always written in the third person, in the past-tense and passive voice. 
• Pronouns like "I", "We", and "Us" are not typically used
• Be succinct when describing observations and processes
• It is not necessary to provide detailed descriptions of standard practices or techniques. 

For information on specific sections that might appear in a scholarly article or laboratory report you may wish to go to the next section in this guide that provides a summary on all the different Parts of A Research Paper and provides links to articles that provide significant detail regarding the style and content for each major section.

Note: While the resources in the guide are meant to help, it is always important to follow the guidelines of the publication or course instructor that you are writing for.

Adapted from information found in Chapter 2 of the ACS Style Guide

Additional resources and information on each sections are also provided from the journal Clinical Chemistry from the section of their journal "Guide To Scientific Writing." Click on the title for a direct link to the PDF or use the corresponding citation for each article to view the online version. All articles are open access articles.

The title should be brief and specific enough to clearly communicate the contents of the paper/research, but should not be overly technical.

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: The Title Says it All

Thomas M Annesley, The Title Says It All, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 3, 1 March 2010, Pages 357–360, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2009.141523

The byline or list of authors includes all individuals that contributed in a substantial manner to the research being reported.

Generally, the person that did the research is listed as the first author of the paper and names are traditionally formatted as "first name, middle initial, and surname"

The abstract should provide an informative and brief summary of what is written in the paper, and should allow for a reader to quickly understand the nature/purpose of the research, the methods used, the results observed, and any major conclusions that came from the research.

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: The Abstract and the Elevator Talk: A Tale of Two Summaries

Thomas M Annesley, The Abstract and the Elevator Talk: A Tale of Two Summaries, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 4, 1 April 2010, Pages 521–524, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2009.142026

An introduction puts the experiment or research into context; it should provide background regarding the question or problem being explored and using applicable scientific literature and references help explain why the question being answered or the research being pursued is relevant and/or important.

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: It was a cold and rainy night”: Set the Scene with a Good Introduction

Thomas M Annesley, “It was a cold and rainy night”: Set the Scene with a Good Introduction, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 5, 1 May 2010, Pages 708–713, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.143628

Depending upon the publication or style, this section has many different possible names; chose the correct name for the section based upon the publication to which the research is being submitted or the laboratory report is meant to emulate. 

This section should provide information regarding the techniques used in answering your research question and should say HOW the research question was probed or answered with enough information that another practitioner in the field could reproduce the experiment and results.  In order to accomplish these goals, the experimental section should  identify the materials used and must also provide sufficient details about characterization methods, experimental procedures, or any apparatus used  that is not standard for the field.

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why: The Ingredients in the Recipe for a Successful Methods Section

Thomas M Annesley, Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why: The Ingredients in the Recipe for a Successful Methods Section, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 6, 1 June 2010, Pages 897–901, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.146589

The data collected or the results of the research/experiment are presented and summarized in this section often using graphs, tables, or equations.  When dealing with a large amount of data, the results section provides a summary while additional results or data can be included in a supporting information section. 

It is important to remember that in this section, the results are NOT put into context nor are the results or observations explained. 

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: Show Your Cards: The Results Section and the Poker Game

Thomas M Annesley, Show Your Cards: The Results Section and the Poker Game, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 7, 1 July 2010, Pages 1066–1070, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.148148

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: If an IRDAM Journal Is What You Choose, Then Sequential Results Are What You Use

              IRDAM = Introduction, Results, Discussion, Methods in terms of order of sections. Many ACS Journals follow this format!

              IMRAD = Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion in terms of order of sections

Pamela A Derish, Thomas M Annesley, If an IRDAM Journal Is What You Choose, Then Sequential Results Are What You Use, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 8, 1 August 2010, Pages 1226–1228, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.150961

The discussion section highlights and interprets the results or data obtained and explains how the resulting data relates to the original research question.  It explains how and why the results obtained  are significant.  It is appropriate to examine and explain why the results were observed and why the data was interpreted in a specific way. This is also the section where additional research or further work regarding the research question can be stated.

The results and the discussion can be presented as a combined "Results and Discussion" section if it makes sense to do so.

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: The Discussion Section: Your Closing Argument

Thomas M Annesley, The Discussion Section: Your Closing Argument, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 11, 1 November 2010, Pages 1671–1674, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.155358 '

Figures and tables should be included in the Results or the Results and discussion section and should support, clarify, and make your work more clear through a visual, organized, representation of the data collected.

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: Put Your Best Figure Forward: Line Graphs and Scattergrams

Thomas M Annesley, Put Your Best Figure Forward: Line Graphs and Scattergrams, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 8, 1 August 2010, Pages 1229–1233, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.150060

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: Bars and Pies Make Better Desserts than Figures

Thomas M Annesley, Bars and Pies Make Better Desserts than Figures, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 9, 1 September 2010, Pages 1394–1400, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.152298

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: Bring Your Best to the Table

Thomas M Annesley, Bring Your Best to the Table, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 56, Issue 10, 1 October 2010, Pages 1528–1534, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.153502

The conclusion provides a brief summary of what was accomplished in a manner similar to the abstract, but the conclusion should specifically address how the results of the research relate back to the original question or problem.

A list of the published works that were cited in the paper or report using the proper citation and reference format for the field and publication (e.g. citing and providing a reference list using the American Chemical Society guidelines).

• Clinical Chemistry -Guide to Scientific Writing: Giving Credit: Citations and References

Thomas M Annesley, Giving Credit: Citations and References, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 57, Issue 1, 1 January 2011, Pages 14–17, https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2010.158048

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How to Write a Good Research Question (w/ Examples)

What is a Research Question?

A research question is the main question that your study sought or is seeking to answer. A clear research question guides your research paper or thesis and states exactly what you want to find out, giving your work a focus and objective. Learning  how to write a hypothesis or research question is the start to composing any thesis, dissertation, or research paper. It is also one of the most important sections of a research proposal . 

A good research question not only clarifies the writing in your study; it provides your readers with a clear focus and facilitates their understanding of your research topic, as well as outlining your study’s objectives. Before drafting the paper and receiving research paper editing (and usually before performing your study), you should write a concise statement of what this study intends to accomplish or reveal.

Research Question Writing Tips

Listed below are the important characteristics of a good research question:

A good research question should:

• Be clear and provide specific information so readers can easily understand the purpose.
• Be focused in its scope and narrow enough to be addressed in the space allowed by your paper
• Be relevant and concise and express your main ideas in as few words as possible, like a hypothesis.
• Be precise and complex enough that it does not simply answer a closed “yes or no” question, but requires an analysis of arguments and literature prior to its being considered acceptable. 
• Be arguable or testable so that answers to the research question are open to scrutiny and specific questions and counterarguments.

Some of these characteristics might be difficult to understand in the form of a list. Let’s go into more detail about what a research question must do and look at some examples of research questions.

The research question should be specific and focused 

Research questions that are too broad are not suitable to be addressed in a single study. One reason for this can be if there are many factors or variables to consider. In addition, a sample data set that is too large or an experimental timeline that is too long may suggest that the research question is not focused enough.

A specific research question means that the collective data and observations come together to either confirm or deny the chosen hypothesis in a clear manner. If a research question is too vague, then the data might end up creating an alternate research problem or hypothesis that you haven’t addressed in your Introduction section .

The research question should be based on the literature 

An effective research question should be answerable and verifiable based on prior research because an effective scientific study must be placed in the context of a wider academic consensus. This means that conspiracy or fringe theories are not good research paper topics.

Instead, a good research question must extend, examine, and verify the context of your research field. It should fit naturally within the literature and be searchable by other research authors.

References to the literature can be in different citation styles and must be properly formatted according to the guidelines set forth by the publishing journal, university, or academic institution. This includes in-text citations as well as the Reference section . 

The research question should be realistic in time, scope, and budget

There are two main constraints to the research process: timeframe and budget.

A proper research question will include study or experimental procedures that can be executed within a feasible time frame, typically by a graduate doctoral or master’s student or lab technician. Research that requires future technology, expensive resources, or follow-up procedures is problematic.

A researcher’s budget is also a major constraint to performing timely research. Research at many large universities or institutions is publicly funded and is thus accountable to funding restrictions. 

The research question should be in-depth

Research papers, dissertations and theses , and academic journal articles are usually dozens if not hundreds of pages in length.

A good research question or thesis statement must be sufficiently complex to warrant such a length, as it must stand up to the scrutiny of peer review and be reproducible by other scientists and researchers.

Research Question Types

Qualitative and quantitative research are the two major types of research, and it is essential to develop research questions for each type of study. 

Quantitative Research Questions

Quantitative research questions are specific. A typical research question involves the population to be studied, dependent and independent variables, and the research design.

In addition, quantitative research questions connect the research question and the research design. In addition, it is not possible to answer these questions definitively with a “yes” or “no” response. For example, scientific fields such as biology, physics, and chemistry often deal with “states,” in which different quantities, amounts, or velocities drastically alter the relevance of the research.

As a consequence, quantitative research questions do not contain qualitative, categorical, or ordinal qualifiers such as “is,” “are,” “does,” or “does not.”

Categories of quantitative research questions

Qualitative research questions.

In quantitative research, research questions have the potential to relate to broad research areas as well as more specific areas of study. Qualitative research questions are less directional, more flexible, and adaptable compared with their quantitative counterparts. Thus, studies based on these questions tend to focus on “discovering,” “explaining,” “elucidating,” and “exploring.”

Categories of qualitative research questions

Quantitative and qualitative research question examples.

Good and Bad Research Question Examples

Below are some good (and not-so-good) examples of research questions that researchers can use to guide them in crafting their own research questions.

Research Question Example 1

The first research question is too vague in both its independent and dependent variables. There is no specific information on what “exposure” means. Does this refer to comments, likes, engagement, or just how much time is spent on the social media platform?

Second, there is no useful information on what exactly “affected” means. Does the subject’s behavior change in some measurable way? Or does this term refer to another factor such as the user’s emotions?

Research Question Example 2

In this research question, the first example is too simple and not sufficiently complex, making it difficult to assess whether the study answered the question. The author could really only answer this question with a simple “yes” or “no.” Further, the presence of data would not help answer this question more deeply, which is a sure sign of a poorly constructed research topic.

The second research question is specific, complex, and empirically verifiable. One can measure program effectiveness based on metrics such as attendance or grades. Further, “bullying” is made into an empirical, quantitative measurement in the form of recorded disciplinary actions.

Steps for Writing a Research Question

Good research questions are relevant, focused, and meaningful. It can be difficult to come up with a good research question, but there are a few steps you can follow to make it a bit easier.

1. Start with an interesting and relevant topic

Choose a research topic that is interesting but also relevant and aligned with your own country’s culture or your university’s capabilities. Popular academic topics include healthcare and medical-related research. However, if you are attending an engineering school or humanities program, you should obviously choose a research question that pertains to your specific study and major.

Below is an embedded graph of the most popular research fields of study based on publication output according to region. As you can see, healthcare and the basic sciences receive the most funding and earn the highest number of publications. 

2. Do preliminary research  

You can begin doing preliminary research once you have chosen a research topic. Two objectives should be accomplished during this first phase of research. First, you should undertake a preliminary review of related literature to discover issues that scholars and peers are currently discussing. With this method, you show that you are informed about the latest developments in the field.

Secondly, identify knowledge gaps or limitations in your topic by conducting a preliminary literature review . It is possible to later use these gaps to focus your research question after a certain amount of fine-tuning.

3. Narrow your research to determine specific research questions

You can focus on a more specific area of study once you have a good handle on the topic you want to explore. Focusing on recent literature or knowledge gaps is one good option. 

By identifying study limitations in the literature and overlooked areas of study, an author can carve out a good research question. The same is true for choosing research questions that extend or complement existing literature.

4. Evaluate your research question

Make sure you evaluate the research question by asking the following questions:

Is my research question clear?

The resulting data and observations that your study produces should be clear. For quantitative studies, data must be empirical and measurable. For qualitative, the observations should be clearly delineable across categories.

Is my research question focused and specific?

A strong research question should be specific enough that your methodology or testing procedure produces an objective result, not one left to subjective interpretation. Open-ended research questions or those relating to general topics can create ambiguous connections between the results and the aims of the study. 

Is my research question sufficiently complex?

The result of your research should be consequential and substantial (and fall sufficiently within the context of your field) to warrant an academic study. Simply reinforcing or supporting a scientific consensus is superfluous and will likely not be well received by most journal editors.  

Editing Your Research Question

Your research question should be fully formulated well before you begin drafting your research paper. However, you can receive English paper editing and proofreading services at any point in the drafting process. Language editors with expertise in your academic field can assist you with the content and language in your Introduction section or other manuscript sections. And if you need further assistance or information regarding paper compositions, in the meantime, check out our academic resources , which provide dozens of articles and videos on a variety of academic writing and publication topics.

IB Chemistry EE examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent does the type of alcohol used in the fischer-speier esterification reaction affect the average rate of reaction as measured through back titration., how does 5g of different types of oils (palm oil, avocado oil, castor oil, and olive oil) contribute to the production of soap bars with a ph level closest to 7 measured at constant temperature (50°c) and after constant time of refluxing (30 minutes) through the saponification process, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, how does the concentration of harpagoside, which is identified by the surface area of the spot on the chromatography paper, changes in the equine mane over the period of one month after gradual consumption of the supplement “devil’s claw”, how does the type of solvent (ethanol, propanone) and its solvent to water ratio (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100% v/v) in the extraction of polyphenols via ultrasound-assisted extraction (uae), affect the total phenolic content extracted from rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), quantified by folin-ciocalteu assay, what effect does changing the concentration of the reagent, chitosan glycolate solution, have on the formation rate and the di↵usion coecient observed in the formation of liesegang rings in the reaction of the polymer-analogous transformation, from salt to base, of chitosan, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, how does varying the solution ph and sodium ethanoate concentration affect the rate and yield of ethane production from its electrolysis, how does the application of different corrosion inhibitors (green tea extract, acrylic paint, chrome plating) on iron affect the amount of rust produced and the rate of corrosion of an iron nail in a 3.5% nacl solution as measured through spectrophotometric and mass-loss methods, effect of storage temperature and time on the vitamin c concnetration in citrus fruit juices, “how quick is the rate of neutralization of 5 cm3, 1 m sodium hydroxide by fatty acids, produced through the hydrolysis of milk fat, catalyzed by lipase enzyme from different seeds”, which method of determination of the amount of copper in brass yields the most accurate result: iodometric titration, spectrophotometry or potentiometry, determining the total mass phenolic and the total mass flavonoid contents of 5 different apple varieties, how does varying steamed or non-steamed vegetables affect the content of iron present, including the effect on an anemic individual’s diet, to what extent does the pka of natural indicators, isobestic points and transmittance patterns vary from the pka of the universal indicator analysis by a spectrophotometer for finding the ideal indicator by prioritising its accessibility (cost of vegetables) and effectiveness for agricultural usage., what effects does varying the identity and concentration of cation in salt solutions; sodium chloride, potassium chloride and lithium chloride, have on aggregation of silver nanoparticles manufactured through a reduction reaction, how does the yield of synthesis gas obtained from pyrolysis compare to gasification in the chemical recycling of polyethene and polypropene, to what extent does the concentration of sulfuric acid in a lead-acid cell affect the voltage at the end of a discharge cycle and the accumulation of lead sulfate on a lead electrode at standard thermodynamic conditions, how does the storing time (8 years, 7 months, 5 months, 3 months, 1 month, 1 day) affect the composition of coca-cola drinks, considering h3po4 concentration and sugar content, is the amount of sulfur dioxide in disposable chopsticks a potential health hazard, an investigation into the effect of concentration of primary alcohols and hexane and the effect of the amount of carbon atoms within the alcohol to the enthalpy of combustion of the mixture, what is the effect of varying the amount of cac03 needed to reverse the effects of acid rain the acidity of soil", to what extent does the iodine value, and the acid value of the oil, and oxidative stability affect the hydrolysis rate of fatty acids in oil, an investigation into the chemiluminescence of luminol, comparison between the effects of the addition of various cations via salt solution on the aggregation of silver nanoparticles synthesized via the reduction method.

Research Question Generator for Free

If you’re looking for the best research question generator, you’re in the right place. Get a list of ideas for your essay, research paper, or any other project with this online tool.

• 🎓 How to Use the Tool
• 🤔 What Is a Research Question?
• 😺 Research Question Examples
• 👣 Steps to Making a Research Question

📝 Research Question Maker: the Benefits

🔗 references, 🎓 research question generator: how to use it.

Research can’t be done without a clear purpose, an intention behind it.

This intention is usually reflected in a research question, which indicates how you approach your study topic.

If you’re unsure how to write a good research question or are new to this process, you’ll surely benefit from our free online tool. All you need is:

• Indicate your search term or title
• Stipulate the subject or academic area
• Press “Generate questions”
• Choose a suitable research question from the generated list.

As you can see, this is the best research question generator requiring minimal input for smart question formulation. Try it out to see how simple the process is.

🤔 Why Make an Inquiry Question?

A research question is a question that you formulate for your scientific inquiry . It is a question that sets the scope for your study and determines how you will approach the identified problem, gap, or issue.

Questions can be descriptive , meaning they aim to describe or measure a subject of the researcher's interest.

Otherwise, they can be exploratory , focusing on the under-researched areas and aiming to expand the existing research evidence on the topic.

If there's enough knowledge about the subject, and you want to dig deeper into the existing trends and relationships, you can also use an explanatory research question.

What Makes a Strong Research Question?

The strength of your formulated research question determines the quality of your research, whether it’s a short argumentative essay or an extensive research paper . So, you should review the quality of your question before conducting the full-scale study.

Its parameters of quality are as follows:

• Clarity . The question should be specific about the focus of your inquiry.
• Complexity . It should not be self-obvious or primitively answered with a “yes” or “no” variant.
• Focus . The question should match the size and type of your academic assignment.
• Conciseness . It should be brief and understandable.
• Debatability . There should be more than one potential answer to the question.

😺 Research Question Examples: Good & Not So Good

Here are some examples to illustrate what we mean by quality criteria and how you can ensure that your question meets them.

Lack of Clarity

The bad example is too general and does not clearly estimate what effect you want to analyze or what aspect of video gaming you're interested in. A much better variant is in the right column.

Look at some other research question examples that are clear enough:

• Terrorism: what is it and how to counter it?
• Sex trafficking: why do we have to address it?
• Palliative care: what constitutes the best technique for technicians communication with patients and families?
• How do vacuum cleaners work?
• What does it mean to age well?

Lack of Focus

The bad example is not focused, as it doesn’t specify what benefits you want to identify and in what context the uniform is approached. A more effective variant is in the right column.

Look at some other research question examples that are focused enough:

• How are biochemical conditions and brain activity linked to crime?
• World wars and national conflicts: what were the reasons?
• Why does crime exist in society?
• Decolonization in Canada: what does decolonization mean?

The bad example is too simplistic and doesn’t focus on the aspects of help that dogs can give to their owners. A more effective variant is in the right column.

Look at some other research question examples that are complex enough:

• How is resource scarcity impacting the chocolate industry?
• What should the Brazilian government do about reducing Amazon’s deforestation?
• Why is a collaborative approach vital during a pandemic?
• What impact has COVID-19 had on the economy?
• How to teach handwriting effectively?

Lack of Debatability

The problem of diabetes is well-known and doesn’t cause any doubts. So, you should add debatability to the discussed issue.

Look at some other research question examples that are debatable enough:

• Online vs. print journalism: what is more beneficial?
• Why will artificial intelligence not replace human in near future?
• What are the differences between art and design?
• Crime TV: how is criminality represented on television?

The question in the left column is too long and ambiguous, making the readers lose focus. You can shorten it without losing the essence.

Look at some other research question examples that are concise enough:

• What is the best way to address obesity in the US?
• Doctoral degree in nursing: why is it important?
• What are the benefits of X-rays in medicine?
• To what extent do emotions influence moral judgment?
• Why did the Industrial Revolution happen in England?

👣 Steps to Generate Research Questions

Now, it’s time to get down from science to practice. Here is a tried-and-tested algorithm for killer research question generation.

• Pick a topic . Once you get a writing assignment, it’s time to find an appropriate topic first . You can’t formulate a thesis statement or research question if you know nothing about your subject, so it's time to narrow your scope and find out as much as possible about the upcoming task.
• Research the topic . After you’re brainstormed several topic options, you should do some research. This stage takes the guesswork out of the academic process, allowing you to discover what scholars and other respected people think about your subject.
• Clarify who your audience is . Think about who will read your piece. Will it be the professor, your classmates, or the general audience consisting of laypersons? Ensure the research question sounds competent enough for a professor and understandable enough for laypeople.
• Approach the subject critically . With a well-articulated topic at hand, you should start asking the "why's" and "how's" about it. Look at the subject as a kid; don't limit your curiosity. You're sure to arrive at some interesting topics to reveal the hidden sides of the chosen issue.
• Evaluate the questions . Now that you have a couple of questions about your topic, evaluate them in terms of research value. Are all of them clear and focused? Will answering all of them take time and research, or is the answer already on the surface? By assessing each option you’ve formulated, you’re sure to choose one leader and use it as your main research question for the scientific study.

Thank you for reading this article! If you need to quickly formulate a thesis statement, consider using our free thesis maker .

❓ Research Questions Generator FAQ

Updated: Oct 25th, 2023

• Developing research questions - Library - Monash University
• Formulation of Research Question – Stepwise Approach - PMC
• Examples of Good and Bad Research Questions
• How To Write a Research Question: Steps and Examples
• Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question
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With our question generator, you can get a unique research question for your assignment, be it an essay, research, proposal, or speech. In a couple of clicks, our tool will make a perfect question for you to ease the process of writing. Try our generator to write the best work possible.