| All of the following sections must be included. | |
| Heading: | Your name and lab partner's name. The names must be
spelled correctly. Include the date the data were collected. |
|---|---|
| Title: | The title of the lab must be exactly the same as the title in the lab manual or handout. |
| Abstract: | The abstract is a brief summary of the lab report. An abstract should include overall purpose and the major results from the experiment. The abstract will also describe any implications from the results. |
| Theory: | The section should demonstrate your understanding of the concepts behind the experiment. Any important equations that were used must be explained or derived using diagrams. When writing important equations, write it on a separate line and include an equation number in parenthesis. |
| Procedure: | Describe in your own words how the experiment was performed. Include diagrams with appropriate labels. |
| Data & Observations: | Display data neatly in tables along with the units and clear labels of what is being measured. All measurements must include an estimate of the uncertainty. All original data must be written in pen and signed by the instructor before you leave the lab. |
| Calculations & Results: | Include at least one complete sample calculation for
each derived result. The units must be included in the
calculations and the final results. The data and the
results must have correct number of significant
figures. Each graph must be on a full sheet of page. All graphs must include a title, proper axes labels with units, clearly marked axes scales. The data points must be clearly visible. If the graph is a straight line, include the equation of the best-fit straight line on the graph. Include relative uncertainties of a derived result. |
| Conclusions & Discussion: | Summarize the results of your experiment, i.e. explain
the results from the graphs and calculations. State
whether the purpose was achieved. If so, were the results
reasonable? Discuss the possible sources of error. How can the experiment be improved? |
Long report is not necessarily better! |
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