Physics
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There is no fixed format for lab reports, as
different labs will require different styles and formats. You will have to use
your judgment. However, the following points may serve as a guideline.
1. Type
it. No handwritten reports will be accepted. Avoid hand drawings, figures,
etc. Cut and paste figures from the lab handout if appropriate.
2. Contents: The reader needs to get the
following information from your lab report: What did you do? How did you do it?
What did you find?
3. Length: Anywhere between 2 and 10 pages.
More important than the length is that it contains all the required information
in a readable way. Often, shorter is better, because it is easier for the
reader (grader) to find the information he/she is looking for. We will not give
credit for lengthy prose if it does not add important information.
4. Start with a short introduction (1 – 2 paragraphs). What is this about? Why is it
interesting? Give a short theoretical overview/background.
5. The main part of your lab report describes
the methods used and the results obtained; the results nearly
always need some discussion. This
main part can be separated into a methods section and a results/discussion
section, or, if the lab consists of several parts, it is usually preferable to
separate the parts: (Part A: methods, results/discussion), (Part B: methods,
results/discussion), etc. Make sure all
questions are answered and all results are given, as your grade is mostly based
on the results.
6. Methods: If applicable, this includes
experimental technique, instruments, procedure, data analysis, error analysis
(sources and propagation of errors, error bars, suggestions on how to improve
precision and accuracy, i.e., minimize random and systematic errors). Do not
copy from the lab manual.
7. Results: Usually given in the form of tables
and figures. Only a few main results should be given as numbers in the text. Do
not give more significant figures than warranted by the accuracy of the result.
Always include proper units and error bars (where applicable). We will
automatically deduct points for missing units. Figures have to have axis labels
and units. Tables and Figures are numbered sequentially (Figure 1, Figure 2,
etc.) and have a figure or table caption that explains what the figure is
about. In addition, all figures and tables must be referenced in the text (Such
as “The measured velocity values are summarized in Table 1 and plotted in
Figure 2”). Discussion should connect the results back to the theory in the
introduction and explain the significance of the results.
8. In one or two sentences, summarize the main
result or conclusion you draw from
the lab. For example, “The measurements clearly show that A is proportional to
B2” or “The data suggest a B2 dependence of A, but are
also consistent with a B3 dependence. More precise measurements are
needed to decide between these possibilities.” (Not: “In this lab I learned
about ….”)