Format of IA
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Title
Research Question (How does DV vary with IV, using ….)
Introduction – Justification to RQ
Background Information – Explain DV, IV, Technique, Theory/literature on the topic,
Chemical Equations, Mechanism, Formulae, discuss different methods to perform
the experiment and justify why you chose the same.
Variables – DV and IV with unit, least count, uncertainty, stating different values used for the
variables.
Control variables (at least 5)- Tabulate, stating unit, least count, uncertainty, why was the
need to control and how was it controlled?
Materials Required – Tabulate Apparatus - Unit, least count, uncertainty. Chemicals with
method of preparation stating proper units and uncertainty.
Safety, Environmental and Ethical Considerations – How harmful are the chemicals, how
were they disposed, general precautions (lab coat, …). Cite the source, eg. MSDS
Aim – To measure/determine/ investigate …… using……
Hypothesis – Rationale, giving fact/literature/theory.
Development of Methodology – How was the experiment performed, throwing light on
controlled variables. Mention how errors were minimized- evidence of creativity,
independent thinking in designing, implementation.
Experimental Procedure – In steps, include uncertainty and decimal places (eg. 10.00 +/0.01 g) for all the apparatus with uncertainties mentioned in the table of materials required.
Raw Data - Qualitative Data in bullet points for any observable change or tabulate.
Quantitative Data- Table with number and heading at the top, units, uncertainty, proper
decimal places in accordance with the uncertainty. For Burette reading, show Initial reading
and final reading then volume used.
Data Processing – Show calculations for average, substitute the values in the formula and
show 1 sample calculation. Tabulate the values with proper significant figures and decimal
places (least precise value to be taken) obtained after using the formula (let this be x)
Error Propagation – For multiplication and division, calculate percentage uncertainties and
add. Multiply this with the final value, x, obtained using the formula and divide it by 100 to
get absolute uncertainty (AU). Final value x +/- AU. For average, add absolute uncertainties.
Calculate percentage error in the experiment using literature values (in case literature
values are not available, this step is not required).
Tabulate the processed data with proper unit, uncertainty, and significant figures. For more
number of readings calculate standard deviation.
Graph- Plot with proper units, show error bars, R2.
Analysis – Discuss the values obtained and how it affect the result, describe the graph and
the trend shown by it, R2, slope (quote values when discussing the analysis).
Conclusion – Restate the RQ and justify the hypothesis using the values obtained.
Evaluation – Strength of the experiment. Limitations – Tabulate Systematic (at least 3) and
random errors giving ways to improve.
Further scope to Exploration
General Instructions:
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Data table should not split.
Use S.I. unit (mol dm-3 for concentration, volume in cm3).
Table number and name should be on top of the table not below.
Number of pages 12.
Font size 12, Times Roman.
Proper citations.
Remove https from the websites cited.
No BYJU’s or Khan Academy in citations.
Use MLA 8.