Step-by-step laboratory practicals for IB, IGCSE & GCSE Science
Author: marccurran
In this investigation, you will measure how the magnetic field strength around a long straight current-carrying wire varies with distance. Using a Hall probe (or a compass and plotting paper as an alternative), you will collect quantitative data and test whether the relationship follows the theoretical inverse proportionality predicted by Ampère’s law. This is an excellent IB Diploma Physics HL Internal Assessment topic. This practical is suitable for IB Diploma Physics HL students.
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Young's double-slit experiment is one of the most elegant demonstrations in physics. By passing light through two closely spaced slits, an interference pattern of bright and dark fringes is produced on a screen. Measuring the fringe spacing allows you to calculate the wavelength of the light used. This makes it an excellent IB Diploma Physics HL Internal Assessment investigation.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, C₆H₈O₆) is an essential nutrient and a reducing agent that is readily oxidised. In this investigation, you will use iodometric titration to measure the vitamin C content of fruit juice after exposure to two continuous variables: temperature and metal ion concentration. Both investigations use the same titration method, making this a versatile and highly scorable IB Chemistry IA topic. This practical is suitable for IB Diploma Chemistry and makes an excellent Internal Assessment (IA) topic.
IB Biology IA: Beetroot and Cell Membrane Permeability In this investigation, you will use beetroot tissue to explore how increasing temperature affects the permeability of cell membranes. As membranes are damaged by heat, the red pigment anthocyanin leaks out of the vacuole — the more pigment released, the more permeable the membrane has become. A colorimeter is used to measure absorbance quantitatively, making this an excellent IB Biology IA investigation. This practical is suitable for IB Diploma Biology and Edexcel IGCSE Biology students.
In this investigation, you will measure the enthalpy of neutralisation (ΔHₙₑᵤₜ) for a strong acid and a weak acid reacting with a strong base, and use the difference to explore the relationship between enthalpy change and acid dissociation constants (Kₐ and pKₐ). This practical is suitable for IB Diploma Chemistry HL and makes an excellent Internal Assessment (IA) topic.