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ScotlandChemistry

Area 3: Researching Chemistry

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

Which apparatus and techniques give reliable, accurate chemical data?

Common chemical apparatus and the laboratory techniques used to prepare, purify and analyse substances, including titration, distillation, reflux, vacuum filtration, recrystallisation, thin-layer chromatography, colorimetry and melting-point determination.
An SQA Advanced Higher Chemistry answer on common laboratory apparatus and techniques, covering the use of volumetric glassware, titration, distillation and reflux, vacuum filtration and recrystallisation, thin-layer chromatography, colorimetry and melting-point determination, and how each contributes to reliable and accurate data.
13 min answer →

How is an experimental investigation planned, analysed and reported?

The practical skills of scientific inquiry assessed by the project: planning a valid investigation, generating reliable raw data, processing and presenting results, analysing data with uncertainties, evaluating the procedure, and reporting with referencing.
An SQA Advanced Higher Chemistry answer on the practical skills assessed by the project, covering planning a valid investigation, generating reliable raw data, processing and presenting results, analysing data including accuracy, precision and uncertainty, evaluating the procedure, and writing a structured report with references.
13 min answer →

How do we turn measured masses and volumes into amounts of substance?

Stoichiometric calculations from balanced equations, gravimetric analysis from measured masses, volumetric analysis including acid-base, redox, complexometric and back titrations, and the calculation of percentage yield and atom economy.
An SQA Advanced Higher Chemistry answer on stoichiometric calculations, covering the mole and balanced equations, gravimetric analysis from measured masses, volumetric analysis through acid-base, redox, complexometric and back titrations, and the calculation of percentage yield and atom economy from experimental data.
14 min answer →