IB Chemistry IA idea · Green chemistry and yield
IB Chemistry IA idea: can a smaller titration stay accurate?
Green chemistry wants less reagent; see how far the volume can drop before the precision falls.
These ideas are starting points, not an IA to copy. Never copy an idea blindly: make the question, method and analysis your own, and check your plan with your teacher.
Example research question
How does the titration scale (analyte volume of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 25 cm³) affect the percentage error of the mean titre against a known concentration, for the same acid–base pair, using suitable glassware at each scale?
Change the system, the range or the method so the question is yours. Check it against the research question checklist in our Chemistry IA guide.
Variables
- You change
- Scale of the titration (volume of analyte aliquot or burette size), for example 1 to 25 cm3 (5 or more scales)
- You measure
- Mean titre error against a known concentration, and the standard deviation of repeats
- You keep the same
- Reagent concentration
- Indicator volume
- Same operator and technique
- Same stock solutions
Method
Titrate the same acid-base pair at a range of scales, using appropriate glassware (microburette, 1 cm3 syringe, standard burette), with several repeats at each scale.
Data analysis
Compare accuracy and precision; compute the uncertainty relative to titre; calculate the mass of waste saved; discuss reagent economy versus uncertainty.
How it works
You change Titration scale (cm³) and measure Mean titre error (%) in Acid–base titrations at set scales, keeping Acid–base pair, Indicator, Number of repeats the same. Expect a graph of Error in mean titre / % against Titration scale / cm³: Relative error should shrink as scale grows.
Make it yours
Repeat with a redox titration or a different indicator.
Safety
Take care with: hazardous chemicals.
Dilute acid and alkali irritate; eye protection.
More Chemistry IA ideas in Green chemistry and yield
- Aspirin synthesis: how long is long enough for the best yield?In the Photon IA Guide
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- Two ways to make ibuprofen: which is greener, by the numbers?In the Photon IA Guide
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