Activity 1. Projectile motion - the effect of launch angle on range

A projectile is any object that moves, without propulsion, in free flight. If air resistance is ignored, the only force acting on a projectile during its flight is that due to gravity. This force is constant and is always directed vertically downwards. It causes the projectile to follow a parabolic path.

 45 minutes

A current-carrying wire will experience a force when placed perpendicular to a magnetic field. The force, F, experienced by the wire is given by F = BIL, where I is the current in the wire (A), L is the length of the wire (m) and B is the strength of the magnetic field (T).

By varying the current through a wire placed in a magnetic field of known constant strength and measuring the force experienced by the wire using a balance, a relationship between current and force can be found.

 30 minutes

The strength of the magnetic field around a current- carrying wire varies with the distance from the wire according to:

where B is the magnetic  field strength, μ0 is the magnetic constant, I is the current flowing through the wire and r is the distance from the wire.

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The ‘photoelectric effect’ refers to the emission of electrons from the surface of a metal when light of low wavelength is incident on the surface. This phenomenon cannot be sufficiently explained using the wave theory of light, and its explanation led to the development of the photon or particle-like dual-nature model of light we have today.

Activity 1. Finding the relationship between temperature and heat 

Temperature is a physical measurement of how ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ a substance is based on the average kinetic energy of particles in the substance. The amount of heat energy in an object is related to temperature, but temperature by itself is not a measure of the thermal energy (heat) in an object. Identical thermometers in two pots of water on a hot stove will show different temperatures even if the pots have been on the stove for the same time if the amount of water in each pot is different.

 45 minutes

 QLDPH11_MA1.spklab

 MA1_TemperatureHeat.cap (capstone)

In this experiment, a metal sample is heated by placing it in a beaker of boiling water. The temperature of the metal will increase as it absorbs energy from the water. The metal sample is then placed in a calorimeter cup and the temperature logged as the water in the cup and sample reach equilibrium. 

By measuring the change in temperature in the water before the metal is added, and as it comes to equilibrium, it is possible to find the heat energy given to the metal by the water. By measuring the metal’s mass and its change in temperature, the metal’s specific heat capacity can be found.

 45 minutes

The voltage, V, across an ohmic resistor and the current, I, through it are related to its resistance by the linear relationship Ohm’s law, V = IR.

The resistance is the inverse of the gradient of the line in a graph of the current drawn by a resistor when the potential difference is varied. 

This experiment requires correct use of a voltmeter and ammeter. 

For an object falling vertically, from rest, the acceleration of the object will be the acceleration due to gravity, g, near the Earth’s surface if the effects of air resistance are ignored. By collecting data of the time taken for the object to hit the ground when it falls from a height s, with an initial velocity of zero, the acceleration due to gravity can be found from the gradient of the line.

By graphing s versus t², the gradient of the line is the acceleration due to gravity. 

The following equations describe motion in a straight line with constant acceleration: • The velocity of an object is the rate at which displacement changes: v = ∆s/∆t
The velocity can be found gradient of the line of best fit of a displacement–time graph. 

• Similarly, the acceleration of an object can be found as the rate of change of velocity: a = ∆v/∆t
It is the gradient of a velocity–time graph.

n₁ sini=n₂ sinr 

The relative refractive index is the ratio n₂/n₁ . 

Activity 1. Volumetric analysis

The sour taste of vinegar is due to the presence of ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH). Ethanoic acid is a weak acid that is only partially ionised in water.

The concentration of ethanoic acid in a particular sample of vinegar can be determined by neutralising the vinegar with a base such as sodium hydroxide of known concentration. 4 The more sodium hydroxide that is required for the

reaction, the more ethanoic acid is present in the vinegar.

 60 minutes

 Chemistry_QLD12_19_1.spklab

Activity 2. Simple displacement reactions

By definition, reduction is a gain of electrons and oxidation is a loss of electrons. In single displacement reactions in aqueous solutions, the metal loses its electrons to the metal ion in solution. This is a redox reaction. The metal losing its electrons is the reductant and the metal gaining electrons is the oxidant.

Single displacement reactions only occur if the metal is more reactive than the metal ions in solution and as such will give away its electrons. A reactivity series can be developed based on this, with the more reactive metals, those more easily oxidised, sitting higher in the series than those less easily oxidised.

 50 minutes

 Chemistry_QLD12_19_2.spklab

During the operation of a galvanic cell, the relative abilities of the chemical species in the half-cells to donate and accept electrons determine which electrode is positive and which is negative. The half-cell containing the stronger reducing agent will undergo an oxidation reaction; the electrode in this half-cell is the anode and will be negative. The other half-cell will contain the stronger oxidising agent and undergo a reduction reaction. The electrode in this half-cell is the cathode.

Activity 4. Modelling the structure of organic compounds

Physical representation of the bonding and structure of organic molecules enables scientists to identify:

• similarities and differences in the classes of organic compounds

• the various isomerisms that can occur—structural and geometrical isomers

Through this modelling practical, you should recognise the limitations within the models scientists use to describe the various structures seen in the classes of organic compounds.

Up to 90 minutes, depending on number of models constructed

 Chemistry_QLD12_19_4.spklab

Activity 1. Using a calorimeter: Measuring the energy change during chemical reactions 

Calorimetry is used to measure the energy change of a chemical reaction or the energy content of food. The temperature change that occurs in the calorimeter as a result of the chemical reaction is measured. The energy required to heat the water in a calorimeter can then be calculated using q = mcΔT. 

 60 minutes

 QLDCH11_MA1.spklab

Activity 2. Derive the empirical formula of a compound from reactions involving mass changes 

Elements always combine in a definite mass ratio to form compounds. In this experiment, magnesium metal is heated in oxygen to form the compound magnesium oxide. By finding the mass of the original magnesium and that of the magnesium oxide, the percentage of magnesium in magnesium oxide can be calculated. The mole ratio of magnesium to oxygen can also be determined so that the empirical formula can be derived. 

 30 minutes

 QLDCH11_MA2.spklab

Molecular modelling is a useful way to represent covalent molecules in three dimensions and to relate this to two-dimensional representations such as valence structures.

Activity 4. The molar volume of hydrogen

In this experiment, you will determine the number of moles of hydrogen gas produced in a reaction. From measurements of the gas volume and pressure, the molar volume of hydrogen at standard temperature and pressure (STP) can be calculated. 

 QLDCH11_MA4.spklab

Activity 5. Precipitation reactions

When two clear solutions containing dissolved ionic salts are mixed together, an insoluble product called a precipitate may form and settle out of the mixture. Knowing which ions form precipitates is essential in many industrial processes and in monitoring and maintaining the water quality in natural waterways.

Ethanoic acid, CH3COOH(aq) ionises to only a small extent in water. Hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq) ionises completely in water. This means that the same concentration of the two acids produce different numbers of hydrogen ions and have different pH values.

Activity 1.Reporting on an ecosystem

Ecosystems are comprised of abiotic (non-living, environmental) and biotic (living) components. The interaction of abiotic and biotic factors can influence the energy and population dynamics of an ecosystem. Measuring these factors enables scientists to classify an ecosystem. This is important, as it enables scientists to begin to work towards effective ecosystem management.

 60 - 90 minutes

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, refers to the variety of organisms living within a particular area. Biodiversity can be measured by the number and diversity of species, the extent to which a particular habitat or ecosystem varies, or the amount of genetic diversity within a species. The more diverse an area is, the more likely it is to withstand environmental pressures or disasters. Biodiversity is often used as an indication of the health of a habitat.

 60 minutes

A population is defined as members of the same species living in the same geographical area at the same point in time. In other words, they have the ability to interbreed to produce viable o spring. It is necessary to survey populations for many reasons. For example, a population may be endangered or increasing in numbers and impacting negatively on another species. Information about population sizes can assist in forming decisions in regards to land management and conservation efforts.

In the early 1900s, mathematicians G. Hardy and W. Weinberg used their knowledge of binomial expansion and applied it to population genetics (microevolution). Microevolution involves the change in allele frequency over time. A population that is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium shows no change in allele frequency over time; it is a non-evolving population. In order for a population to comply with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, five conditions must be met:

• The population is infinitely large. This reduces the probability that genetic drift (random change in allele frequency) will occur.

• Mating is random. No sexual selection.

• No natural selection. All genotypes have the same chance of survival.

• No mutation of alleles. No new alleles enter the population.

• No gene flow. No emigration or immigration.

A Hardy-Weinberg population cannot exist in the real world, as it is impossible to meet all five of the conditions simultaneously. The Hardy-Weinberg principle simply provides a baseline to determine whether or not allele frequencies have changed in a population and, thus, whether evolution has occurred.

Activity 1. Shaping up—surface area to volume ratio and diffusion

In this activity, you will use a simulation to investigate the effect of surface area to volume ratio on the diffusion of substances and consider the importance of this on the efficient exchange of materials for organisms. The shapes of organisms will be simulated by blocks of agar jelly. The jelly is a pink colour due to the presence of sodium hydroxide (a base) and phenolphthalein indicator. Phenolphthalein is colourless in acid. When the blocks are placed in an acid solution, the acid diffuses into the jelly, causing a colour change from pink to clear. The time taken for a block to totally decolourise is a measure of the rate of diffusion of acid into the jelly.

 60 minutes

Elements always combine in a definite mass ratio to form compounds. In this experiment, magnesium metal is heated in oxygen to form the compound magnesium oxide. By finding the mass of the original magnesium and that of the magnesium oxide, the percentage of magnesium in magnesium oxide can be calculated. The mole ratio of magnesium to oxygen can also be determined so that the empirical formula can be derived. 

 100 minutes

Carbon dioxide is one example of a metabolic waste produced by cells. It is carried to the lungs via the bloodstream, where it is removed from the body during exhalation. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is another waste product of cell metabolism. It is a potentially harmful chemical and must be removed immediately. The enzyme catalase operates in cells to continually break down hydrogen peroxide into harmless products. 

In this primary data investigation, you will investigate the potential for water loss from upper and lower surfaces of leaves of different kinds of plants and then take steps to verify your experimental outcomes. You will make inferences about the relationship between a plant’s stomatal distribution and its potential water loss.

 In this investigation, you will study the effect of different kinds of antibiotics on the growth of bacteria using Mastrings or Multodiscs. These are commercially produced discs impregnated with a variety of antibiotic substances. Each satellite on the Mastring contains a different antibiotic that is identified by either a colour or a letter code or both.

Activity 1. Investigating convection currents and thermoclines

 20 minutes

 Coming Soon

 60 minutes + Site Visit

60 minutes plus site visit time if an external test