Name:
IB Chemistry SL Laboratory Manual
IB Lab Report Format
Title of the Experiment
Your Name
Date of Experiment
Class/Level
Name of the Teacher
Introduction
Purpose: State the objective of the experiment.
Research Question: Clearly articulate the question you aim to answer.
Background Information: Overview of the scientific principles related to the
experiment.
Hypothesis: Formulate a testable hypothesis.
Materials
List of Materials:
o
Specify all materials and equipment used, including quantities and
specifications.
Method/Procedure
Detailed Procedure:
o
Step-by-step instructions for conducting the experiment, ensuring clarity for
replication.
Variables:
o
o
o
Independent Variable: The variable you will change.
Dependent Variable: The variable you will measure.
Control Variables: List of variables kept constant to ensure a fair test.
Safety Information:
o
Include any safety precautions taken (e.g., use of gloves, goggles, handling
chemicals).
Results
Data Presentation:
o
o
Include tables, graphs, or charts that display the collected data.
Describe observable trends.
Analysis
Interpretation of Results:
o
o
Discuss what the data indicates regarding your hypothesis.
Include any relevant calculations.
Uncertainty:
o
Address uncertainties in data collection and processing, including measurement
errors and conditions affecting results.
Conclusion
Summary of Findings:
o Recapitulate the key findings of the experiment.
Significance:
Discuss the implications of the results.
Suggestions for Improvement:
o
o
Recommend refinements to the experimental procedure or further areas for
investigation.
Evaluation
Reliability and Validity:
Assess the reliability of the results and the validity of the methodology.
Sources of Error:
o
o
Identify potential sources of error and their effects on the results.
References
Citations:
o
List all sources used for background research, formatted appropriately.
Appendices
(Optional) Include supplementary information, calculations, or raw data that support
your report but are too lengthy for the main sections.
Formatting Guidelines
Use a clear, legible font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12 pt).
Double-space the text, with 1-inch margins.
Use headings and subheadings to enhance readability.
Number the pages.
Following this structured format will help you create a comprehensive lab report that meets the
expectations of the IB program and clearly communicates your findings.
Lab 1 : Solubility and the "Like Dissolves Like" Principle
How does the polarity of a solvent affect the solubility of polar and non-polar solutes?
Research Question
Background
Materials
•
Test tubes (12) and test tube rack
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Solvents: water, ethanol, hexane
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Solutes: sodium chloride (NaCl), sucrose (C12H22O11), iodine (I₂), vegetable oil
•
Spatulas and droppers
•
Stirring rods
•
Safety goggles
Safety Considerations
•
Wear safety goggles
•
Hexane is flammable and toxic - use in fume hood
•
Iodine can stain skin and is toxic - handle with care
Procedure
1. Label 12 test tubes with solvent-solute combinations
2.
Add 5 mL of solvent to each test tube
3.
Add a small amount of solute (spatula tip for solids, 5 drops for liquids)
4.
Stopper and shake each test tube for 30 seconds
5.
Observe and record solubility (soluble, partially soluble, or insoluble)
6.
Note any color changes or layer formation
Data Collection
Solute
Polarity of Solute Water (polar) Ethanol (polar) Hexane (non-polar)
NaCl
Sucrose
Iodine
Vegetable oil
Analysis Questions
1. Explain your observations using the "like dissolves like" principle.
2.
Why is ethanol able to dissolve both polar and some non-polar substances?
3.
Draw the structural formula of ethanol and explain its amphipathic nature.
4.
Predict whether vitamin A (non-polar) or vitamin C (polar) would be more soluble in
water. Explain your reasoning.
Extension
Research and explain why soap can dissolve both polar and non-polar substances, making it
effective for cleaning.
Lab 2: Factors Affecting Solubility - Temperature Investigation
Research Question
Hypothesis
Write your hypothesis here based on your understanding of endothermic dissolution
processes.
Variables
•
Independent variable:
•
Dependent variable:
•
Controlled variables:
Materials
•
Potassium nitrate (KNO₃)
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Distilled water,Beakers (100 mL)
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Hot plate and ice bath
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Thermometer
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Stirring rod
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Electronic balance (±0.01 g)
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Graduated cylinder (100 mL)
Procedure:
1. Measure 100 mL of distilled water into a beaker
2.
Heat or cool the water to the desired temperature (10°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C, 60°C)
3.
Add KNO₃ in small increments (1 g at a time) while stirring
4.
Continue adding until no more solute dissolves (solution is saturated)
5.
Record the total mass of KNO₃ dissolved
6.
Repeat for each temperature
7.
Conduct at least 2 trials for each temperature
Data Collection
Temperature
(°C)
Trial 1: Mass of KNO₃ Trial 2: Mass of KNO₃ Average
dissolved (g)
dissolved (g)
mass (g)
10
20
30
40
50
60
Data Processing
1. Calculate the average solubility for each temperature
2.
Plot a graph of solubility (y-axis) vs. temperature (x-axis)
Solubility
(g/100 mL)
3.
Draw a best-fit curve through your data points
4.
Calculate the percentage uncertainty in your mass measurements
Analysis Questions
1. Describe the relationship between temperature and solubility of KNO₃.
2.
Explain this relationship in terms of energy and particle interactions.
3.
Using your graph, predict the solubility of KNO₃ at 45°C.
4.
Would you expect the same trend for all solutes? Research one example where
solubility decreases with temperature.
5.
Evaluate the reliability of your results by discussing sources of error and uncertainty.
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