IB Chemistry

Introduction to Experimental Programme

Name: …………………………………… ( ) Class: ……………

A1 An ammeter has a zero-offset error. This fault will affect

A neither the precision nor the accuracy of the readings.

B only the precision of the readings.
C only the accuracy of the readings.
D both the precision and the accuracy of the readings.
( )

A2 The reading of a constant potential difference is made four times by a student. The
readings are 1.176 V, 1.178 V, 1.177 V, 1.176 V. The student averages these readings but
does not take into account the zero error on the voltmeter.
Which option best describes the average measurement of the potential difference?

A precise and accurate.

B precise but not accurate
C accurate but not precise.
D not accurate and not precise.
( )

A3 Both random and systematic errors are present in the measurement of a particular quantity.
What changes, if any, would repeated measurements of this quantity have on the random and
systematic errors?

random systematic
A reduced reduced
B reduced unchanged
C unchanged reduced
D unchanged unchanged

( )

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A4 A burette reading is recorded as 33.60 ± 0.05 cm 3.

Which of the following could be the actual value?

I 33.58 cm3
II 33.1 cm3
III 33.64 cm3

A II only
B I and III only
C III only
D I, II and III
( )

A5 A student measures a distance several times. The readings lie between 49.8 cm and 50.2 cm.
How should the measurement be recorded?

A 49.8 ± 0.2 cm.

B 49.8 ± 0.4 cm.
C 50.0 ± 0.2 cm.
D 50.0 ± 0.4 cm.
( )

A6 The volume V of a cylinder of height h and radius r is given by the expression V = πr2h.
In a particular experiment, r is to be determined from measurements of V and h. The
uncertainties in V and in h are: V ±7%, h ± 3%. What is the approximate uncertainty of r?

A 10%
B 5%
C 4%
D 2%
( )

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A7 Significant Figures in Calculations

Perform the following calculations, reporting the answers to the correct number of
significant figures.

(a) (8.71 x 0.0301) / 0.056 =

(b) 0.71 + 81.8 =

(c) 8.937 - 8.930 =

(d) 934 x 0.00435 + 107 =

(e) (847.89 - 847.73) x 14673 =

(f) 0.00015 x 54.6 + 1.002 =

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A8 Propagating Uncertainties in Calculations - Perform the mathematical operations and

report the answer using the correct number of significant figures. Include in your answer
the uncertainties.

(a) What is the total mass of two pieces of zinc of mass 1.21 g and 0.56 g? (The masses
were determined by using a digital balance with 2 decimal places.)

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(b) What is the total mass of a solution prepared by adding 51.00 g of water to 1.00 g
of sugar? (The masses were determined by using a digital balance with 2 decimal
places.)

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(c) Consider two burette readings:

Initial reading / cm 3 24.05 ± 0.05

Final reading / cm 3 48.20 ± 0.05

What value should be reported for the volume delivered?

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 IB Chemistry

A9 Propanone reacts with bromine in acidic solution according to the following equation.
H+(aq)
CH3COCH3(aq) + Br2(aq) BrCH2COCH3(aq) + HBr(aq)

A student investigated the kinetics of this reaction, and the data are shown below.

Initial concentration / mol dm−3

Experiment [CH3COCH3] [Br2] ± 0.0001 [H+] ± 0.0001 Time for colour to Rate of reaction /
± 0.001 fade / s ± 1 mol dm−3 s−1
1 0.200 0.0100 0.0500 250 4.00 × 10−5
2 0.400 0.0100 0.0500 125 8.00 × 10−5
3 0.200 0.0200 0.0500 500 4.00 × 10−5
4 0.200 0.0100 0.1000 125 8.00 × 10−5
5 0.400 0.0050 0.0500 63 X

a. !"#$#%& [)*+]
Given that the average rate of reaction = $#-. /0* 10&02* $0 /%3.,

Calculate the rate of reaction for Experiment 5 and explain the precision of your result.

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b. Determine the percentage uncertainty in the calculated rate for Experiment 4.

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A10. A certain mass of water was weighed out in a polystyrene cup and a certain mass of potassium
bromide was weighed out using a weighing bottle. The initial temperature of the water was
measured accurately. Potassium bromide was then added to the water, until it has all dissolved and
the minimum temperature reached was recorded. All raw data is tabulated below.

Mass of polystyrene cup /g 5.00 ± 0.01

Mass of polystyrene cup + water /g 105.23 ± 0.01
Initial temperature of water /oC 21.1 ± 0.1
Minimum temperature of water /oC 19.0 ± 0.1
Mass of weighing bottle /g 0.50 ± 0.01
Mass of weighing bottle + potassium bromide /g 6.61 ± 0.01

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a. Determine the mass of water, 𝑚,weighed out and calculate the percentage uncertainty.

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b. Determine the amount (number of moles), 𝑛, of potassium bromide used and calculate the percentage
uncertainty.

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c. Determine the change in temperature, ∆𝑇, of the solution and calculate the percentage uncertainty.

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d Hence, calculate the enthalpy change of solution, ΔHsoln..

. Leave your answers to the appropriate number of significant figures and calculate the absolute
uncertainty.

4 ×6 ×∆8
Given that the specific heat capacity of water, 𝑐 = 4.18 J g-1 oC-1 and ΔHsoln = 9

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