Chemistry

1. What makes Chemistry distinct?

A Chemistry EE must:

focus on a specific chemical reaction, property, process or model

investigate variables that can be measured accurately and safely

use chemical theory such as kinetics, equilibrium, energetics or bonding

collect or analyse valid experimental or secondary chemical data

use controlled methods suited to chemical investigation

interpret results using chemical principles at an appropriate level

evaluate precision, reliability and chemical significance of findings

Your essay should feel chemical, not physical, biological or environmental.

2. What counts as a suitable Chemistry topic?

A strong topic is:

• narrow and grounded in a defined chemical concept

• supported by measurable variables and controlled conditions

• framed within established chemical theory

• feasible using school level equipment and safety protocols

• able to generate sufficient data for analysis

Examples of suitable topic types

• factors influencing reaction rates

• energy changes under varying conditions

• quantitative analysis using titration or spectroscopy

• properties of materials such as alloys, metals or polymers

• effects of pH, temperature or catalysts on chemical processes

Examples of unsuitable topic types

• topics requiring dangerous chemicals or specialist equipment

• investigations that drift into Biology, Physics or ESS

• broad questions without controllable variables

• projects involving risks beyond safe school practice

• studies where variables cannot be measured precisely

Chemistry requires controlled conditions, measurable variables and theoretical grounding.

3. Using data in Chemistry

Your essay must draw upon chemical data, such as:

• experimental results from controlled laboratory work

• measurements of concentration, mass, temperature or pH

• spectrophotometric or colorimetric data

• titration or electrochemical readings

• reliable secondary datasets from peer reviewed chemical research

Avoid

• data that are estimated without proper calculation

• web materials with unclear methodology

• datasets that cannot be confirmed or replicated

• measurements lacking calibration or accuracy

Evidence must be interpreted through chemical principles, not simply recorded.

4. Research methods appropriate for Chemistry

Your methods may include:

• controlled reaction experiments with one manipulated variable

• titration or volumetric analysis

• colorimetry or spectrophotometry

• calorimetry to measure energy changes

• electrochemical measurements

• safe synthesis or preparation of materials

• analysis of published chemical datasets

The method must be appropriate for the chemical process under investigation.

5. Expectations for analysis

Chemistry analysis should:

• process data using appropriate calculations and uncertainties

• link numerical results to chemical theories or models

• interpret trends using principles such as collision theory

• explain anomalies through accepted chemical reasoning

• use graphs, tables and equations purposefully

• remain tightly focused on the chemical question

Analysis must show chemical understanding supported by data.

6. Evaluation in Chemistry

Evaluation may include:

• precision and calibration of equipment

• limitations of method or experimental design

• impact of uncontrolled or unavoidable variables

• accuracy of techniques used

• validity of assumptions in chemical models

• extent to which conclusions are supported by the data

• chemical relevance of findings

A strong Chemistry EE explains what the findings mean and why they matter chemically.

7. Common pitfalls in Chemistry EEs

Avoid these issues, as they frequently lead to weak outcomes:

• topics too broad or unsafe for school laboratories

• insufficient or unreliable data

• unsafe materials or procedures

• overreliance on literature without analysis

• drift into Biology, Physics or ESS territory

• data lacking precision or control

• methods requiring equipment not available in schools

8. Model research questions

Here are high quality examples of Chemistry research questions:

1. How does temperature influence the rate of decomposition of hydrogen peroxide catalysed by manganese dioxide?

2. To what extent does pH affect the enthalpy change of neutralisation between strong and weak acids?

3. How does chloride ion concentration influence the corrosion rate of iron in aqueous solutions?

4. How accurately can colorimetry determine copper ion concentration in solutions of different turbidity?

5. To what extent do different catalysts alter the activation energy of the decomposition of potassium iodate?