Physics Lab Write-ups
Lab Reports will be written on a word processor. You will take data in class and save anything you need on the computer which you will be able to access via internet.
Include the Lab Title, Date, Your Name, and Partner(s) Names.
Purpose:
A brief and precise statement of what you were exploring, verifying, measuring, calculating, investigating, etc. during the experiment.
Hypothesis:
After reading the purpose, you will comment on how you will achieve the purpose. You will predict the results, and ask a testable question.
Procedure (or procedural changes):
A short description of how you went about accomplishing the goals of the experiment. You may use the descriptions from the lab handouts and be sure to cite any variations.
Apparatus Diagram:
A simple, labeled sketch of the experimental set-up (with explanations as needed), and a complete list of materials.
Note: The items above should appear in your write-up before any measurements are taken.
Data:
Attach observations, data tables (with titles) that show all original, raw data.
Sample Calculations:
Each sample calculation should include the following: For example, you may have to use do some calculations to build your data table…
1. An equation in the familiar form.
2. The equation in the modified form used for the experiment
3. Substitution of known values, including units and significant figures.
4. The final numerical answer, including units and significant figures.
Graphs:
Graphs, like tables, need adequate labels (title, legend, names of quantities, units, and slope). Draw the best line (Median Fit) or curve possible.
Results:
The result section has a tabulation of all intermediate calculated values and final tabulations (for example, the equation generated from a graph). Whenever there are several results, the numerical values should be recorded in tables. All tables must have titles. Headings and extra notes may be needed to make the meaning of the results clear to the reader.
Discussion/Error Analysis:
-Include the answers to any assigned discussion questions
- Write out the question first, and then put down your answer using full sentences and proper grammar.
-Discuss some of the things you did before and during the experiment to reduce errors. (All experiments should be at least 90% accurate).
-Describe how you would reduce errors if the experiment were repeated
-Include a statistical analysis of the class data (when required)
Conclusion(s):
These are the basic things discovered as a result of conducting this lab. The conclusion has one or more well-written paragraphs summarizing and drawing together only the main results.
1. The conclusions should be consistent with the statement of purpose.
2. Include any numbers of your results (for eg. We found that the acceleration due to gravity was 9.81 m/s2, giving us an experimental error of 6.3%. This result is consistent because …)
3. Conclusions must be based on the experimental results
4. If conclusions are based on graphs, reference must be made to the graph by its full title
5. Make reference to your hypothesis and compare to your actual outcome.
6. Explain what you have learned from this experiment.
Extension (Optional)
Should you care to do a bit more experimentation or research with a particular experiment, add the extra work evidence at the end of your written report. This is your opportunity for extra credit in the lab. One possibility for action:
What further investigations does this lab suggest?
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