IB Chemistry IA Error Analysis


Summary

The video explains the process of investigating the rate law and activation energy of the Thiosulfate-Hydrochloric Acid reaction. It emphasizes the importance of considering experimental uncertainties and demonstrates the use of Google Sheets and Plotly to account for errors in the data. The video covers how to calculate uncertainties in both X and Y directions, create Arenus plots, and compare experimental results with literature values, calculating percent error to analyze the accuracy of the findings.


Introduction to Kinetics Lab

Introducing the topic of investigating the rate law and parameters of the Thiosulfate-Hydrochloric Acid reaction and the process of determining activation energy.

Processing Experimental Errors

Explaining the importance of considering experimental uncertainties, using Google Sheets and Plotly to account for errors in experimental data.

Handling Uncertainty in Data

Discussing the calculation of uncertainties in both X and Y directions and the method of combining uncertainties for independent and dependent variables.

Usage of Plotly for Error Bars

Demonstrating the utilization of Plotly to graph data and insert error bars to assess the uncertainty in the resulting trends.

Data Processing and Analysis

Explaining the data processing steps and analysis involved in calculating activation energy, including creating an Arenus plot and incorporating significant figures.

Inserting Error Bars in Plotly

Detailing the process of inserting error bars in Plotly to visualize the range of possible values and uncertainties in the data points.

Fitting Data and Expressing Trend Uncertainty

Adding trend lines to data points, using error data to weigh fit, and expressing uncertainty in the slope of the graph using the Half Range method.

Calculating Activation Energy

Explaining the calculation of activation energy based on the slope of the Arenus plot and converting uncertainty in slope to uncertainty in activation energy.

Comparison with Literature Value

Discussing the comparison of experimental results with literature values, calculating percent error, rounding final results, and addressing systematic errors.


FAQ

Q: What is the Thiosulfate-Hydrochloric Acid reaction?

A: The Thiosulfate-Hydrochloric Acid reaction is a chemical reaction between thiosulfate and hydrochloric acid that is commonly used in kinetics experiments to study reaction rates and parameters.

Q: Why is it important to consider experimental uncertainties in scientific investigations?

A: Considering experimental uncertainties is crucial in scientific investigations as it helps in determining the reliability and accuracy of the results obtained, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the data and its implications.

Q: How can Google Sheets and Plotly be used to account for errors in experimental data?

A: Google Sheets and Plotly can be used to visualize and analyze experimental data by creating graphs, including error bars to represent uncertainties, and conducting statistical analyses to assess the quality of the data and results.

Q: What is an Arenus plot and how is it utilized in calculating activation energy?

A: An Arenus plot is a graphical representation of ln(k) against 1/T, where k is the rate constant and T is the temperature. It is used to determine the activation energy of a reaction by plotting experimental data points and fitting a line to determine the slope.

Q: How is uncertainty in activation energy calculated from the slope of an Arenus plot?

A: Uncertainty in activation energy is calculated by converting the uncertainty in the slope of an Arenus plot to uncertainty in the activation energy using mathematical relationships derived from the experimental data and graph.

Q: What is the Half Range method for expressing uncertainty in the slope of a graph?

A: The Half Range method involves using the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the slope to determine the uncertainty associated with the slope of a graph, providing a range of possible values for the parameter being measured.

Q: How can experimental results be compared with literature values and what is the significance of calculating percent error?

A: Experimental results can be compared with literature values to assess the accuracy and validity of the findings. Calculating percent error helps in quantifying the discrepancy between the experimental and expected values, highlighting any potential systematic errors or discrepancies in the experimental setup.

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