Choosing the right Chemistry IA topic can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially with the pressure to find something unique and impactful. Whether you're fascinated by the chemistry behind medicine, intrigued by the science of dentistry, or passionate about environmental challenges, this guide offers a treasure trove of IB Chemistry IA ideas.
We'll explore experiments that range from investigating the stability of over-the-counter medications to analyzing the impact of acid rain on soil health. These topics not only align with your syllabus but also give you the edge to create an IA that truly shines.
1. Medicine
- Investigating the effect of pH on the hydrolysis of aspirin
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.6 (Strong and weak acids and bases differ in the extent of ionization)
- Measuring the vitamin C content in fruit juices using titration and comparing it to labeled amounts
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.2 (Functional groups and their reactions)
- Investigating the dissolution rates of different tablet formulations in various pH environments
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 2.2 (How fast? The rate of chemical change)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 2.2.3 (Factors that influence the rate of a reaction)
- The effect of light exposure on the stability of common over-the-counter medications
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.9 (Infrared spectra for bond identification)
- Investigating the impact of different storage conditions on the shelf life of antibiotics
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.3 (Homologous series and their properties)
- The effect of temperature on the reaction rate of a simulated enzyme-catalyzed process
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 2.2 (How fast? The rate of chemical change)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 2.2.3 (Factors that influence the rate of a reaction)
- Comparing the effectiveness of different pain relief tablets based on their active ingredient concentration
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.3 (Homologous series and their properties)
- Investigating the effect of various solvents on the solubility of a drug
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.2 (The covalent model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.2.8 (Intermolecular forces)
- The role of chelating agents in removing heavy metals from a solution
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.2 (Electron transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.2.3 (Reactivity of metals with aqueous metal ions)
- Determining the vitamin C content in fresh vs. bottled juices using a redox titration
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.2 (Electron transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.2.3 (Reactivity of metals with aqueous metal ions)
2. Dentistry
- Investigating the effect of fluoride on the hardness of tooth enamel
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.7 (Acids react with bases in neutralization reactions)
- Comparing the pH levels of various mouthwashes and their effects on tooth enamel
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.4 (The pH scale and its relationship with [H+])
- Investigating the corrosion of dental amalgams in acidic environments
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.2 (Electron transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.2.1 (Oxidation and reduction can be described in terms of electron transfer)
- Testing the effectiveness of different toothpaste brands in preventing acid erosion
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.2 (The covalent model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.2.8 (Intermolecular forces)
- The role of calcium ions in remineralization of tooth enamel
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.2 (The covalent model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.2.8 (Intermolecular forces)
- Comparing the fluoride content in different toothpaste brands using an ion-selective electrode
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.1 (Identification of functional groups)
- Investigating the pH changes in saliva before and after consuming acidic drinks
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.4 (The pH scale and its relationship with [H+])
- Analyzing the effect of tooth whitening agents on enamel microhardness
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.2 (The covalent model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.2.8 (Intermolecular forces)
- Investigating the effectiveness of fluoride treatments in preventing tooth decay
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.7 (Acids react with bases in neutralization reactions)
- Comparing the abrasiveness of different toothpaste formulations
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.4 (From models to materials)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.4.4 (Polymers: Natural and synthetic)
3. Engineering
- Investigating the impact of temperature on the efficiency of catalysts in industrial processes
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 2.2 (How fast? The rate of chemical change)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 2.2.5 (Catalysts and reaction rates)
- Analyzing corrosion rates in different metals in acidic solutions
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.2 (Electron transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.2.1 (Oxidation and reduction can be described in terms of electron transfer)
- The effect of pressure on reaction rates in a gas-phase reaction (e.g., Haber Process)
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 2.3 (How far? The extent of chemical change)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 2.3.4 (Le Châtelier’s principle)
- Investigating the tensile strength of different polymers
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.4 (From models to materials)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.4.4 (Polymers: Natural and synthetic)
- Evaluating the thermal conductivity of various building materials
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.3 (The metallic model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.3.1 (Metallic bonding)
- The effect of alloy composition on their mechanical properties
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.3 (The metallic model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.3.3 (Properties of transition elements)
- Investigating the efficiency of biodiesel production using different types of catalysts
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.2 (Functional groups and their reactions)
- Analyzing the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors in metal protection
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.2 (Electron transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.2.1 (Oxidation and reduction can be described in terms of electron transfer)
- The impact of annealing on the hardness of metals
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.3 (The metallic model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.3.2 (Strength of metallic bonds)
- Investigating the properties of smart materials like shape-memory alloys
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.4 (From models to materials)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.4.4 (Polymers: Natural and synthetic)
4. Environmental Science
- Investigating the effect of heavy metals on water quality using colorimetric analysis
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.2 (Electron transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.2.3 (Reactivity of metals with aqueous metal ions)
- The impact of acid rain on soil pH and nutrient availability
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.7 (Acids react with bases in neutralization reactions)
- Evaluating the effectiveness of various household water filtration methods
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.2 (The covalent model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.2.10 (Chromatography)
- Investigating the biodegradability of different types of plastics under simulated environmental conditions
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.4 (From models to materials)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.4.4 (Polymers: Natural and synthetic)
- Analyzing the effects of nitrogen-based fertilizers on algal blooms in aquatic systems
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.4 (The pH scale and its relationship with [H+])
- Investigating the effects of oil pollution on the solubility of oxygen in water
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.2 (The covalent model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.2.8 (Intermolecular forces)
- The impact of pH on the solubility and mobility of heavy metals in soil
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.4 (The pH scale and its relationship with [H+])
- Comparing the degradation rates of organic vs. conventional farming pesticides
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.2 (Functional groups and their reactions)
- Investigating the chemical changes in soil composition due to composting
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.3 (Homologous series and their properties)
- Analyzing the effectiveness of catalytic converters in reducing car emissions
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 2.2 (How fast? The rate of chemical change)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 2.2.5 (Catalysts and reaction rates)
5. Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Investigating the stability of common pharmaceutical compounds under various storage conditions
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.1 (Identification of functional groups)
- Comparing the effectiveness of different preservatives in extending the shelf life of pharmaceutical solutions
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.2 (Functional groups and their reactions)
- The role of pH in the solubility and absorption of weak acid drugs
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.6 (Strong and weak acids and bases differ in the extent of ionization)
- Investigating the dissolution rates of various tablet coatings
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 2.2 (How fast? The rate of chemical change)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 2.2.3 (Factors that influence the rate of a reaction)
- The effect of temperature on the stability of vitamin C in pharmaceutical formulations
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.3 (Homologous series and their properties)
- Analyzing the interaction between common over-the-counter drugs and food acids
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.6 (Strong and weak acids and bases differ in the extent of ionization)
- Investigating the solubility of drugs in different solvents
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.2 (The covalent model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.2.8 (Intermolecular forces)
- The role of buffering agents in maintaining the pH of pharmaceutical solutions
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.7 (Acids react with bases in neutralization reactions)
- Comparing the effectiveness of different antacids in neutralizing stomach acid
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.1 (Proton transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.1.7 (Acids react with bases in neutralization reactions)
- Investigating the effect of different light wavelengths on the degradation of pharmaceutical compounds
- Sub-topic: Structure 3.2 (Functional groups: Classification of organic compounds)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 3.2.9 (Infrared spectra for bond identification)
6. Biomedical Engineering
- Investigating the chemical properties of biomaterials used in medical implants
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.4 (From models to materials)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.4.4 (Polymers: Natural and synthetic)
- Comparing the degradation rates of different biodegradable polymers used in medical implants
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.4 (From models to materials)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.4.4 (Polymers: Natural and synthetic)
- The impact of sterilization methods on the mechanical properties of medical implants
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 3.2 (Electron transfer reactions)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 3.2.1 (Oxidation and reduction can be described in terms of electron transfer)
- Investigating the role of pH in drug release from polymeric drug delivery systems
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.2 (The covalent model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.2.8 (Intermolecular forces)
- Comparing the effectiveness of different hydrogels used in wound dressings
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.4 (From models to materials)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.4.4 (Polymers: Natural and synthetic)
- Analyzing the role of surface coatings on the biocompatibility of implants
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.3 (The metallic model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.3.3 (Properties of transition elements)
- Investigating the impact of different temperatures on the degradation of drug-eluting stents
- Sub-topic: Reactivity 2.2 (How fast? The rate of chemical change)
- Syllabus Point: Reactivity 2.2.3 (Factors that influence the rate of a reaction)
- The effect of cross-linking on the mechanical properties of hydrogels used in tissue engineering
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.4 (From models to materials)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.4.4 (Polymers: Natural and synthetic)
- Analyzing the role of antimicrobial coatings on the prevention of infection in medical devices
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.2 (The covalent model)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.2.8 (Intermolecular forces)
- Investigating the properties of nano-materials used in targeted drug delivery systems
- Sub-topic: Structure 2.4 (From models to materials)
- Syllabus Point: Structure 2.4.4 (Polymers: Natural and synthetic)
Once you've settled on an exciting Chemistry IA topic, the next step is ensuring your experiment is up to IB standards. You can do this by using coursework graders that not only reviews your work for alignment with the IB criteria but also offers personalized feedback to help you refine your investigation.
By using the coursework grader, you can identify areas for improvement, whether it's sharpening your research question or enhancing your data analysis. It's like having a virtual mentor guiding you towards a top-tier IA that impresses both your teachers and examiners.
