Physics Lab Reports

Physics Lab Reports

It is expected that all lab reports will be neatly typed (word processed) with college level grammar and spelling. Each report should include the following sections:

• Introduction/Objective: The purpose of the experiment, the physical phenomenon observed and the concept or numerical constant to be verified.

• Procedure: A description of the methods and materials for the lab experiment describing the equipment and set up used to observe and investigate the objective and how the data was collected and recorded. Describe the dependent and independent variables where applicable.

• Results: Display the data collected and the results obtained expressed as a neatly organized table of data, the mathematical models used and the calculations derived from the data, graphs of results with clearly labeled axes. Calculations used in the experiment should be included in a clear and organized manner.

• Discussions/Conclusions: An explanation and interpretation of the results and how they compare to the stated objective. Patterns and trends should be identified and related to supporting or refuting your hypothesis. Possible sources of errors should be discussed and the percent error from the accepted values should be indicated when appropriate. Questions related to the experiment should be included and answered as completely as possible. This section will have the strongest determination for your grade.

Lab Reports are due one week after the scheduled lab session and grades will be diminished for lab reports not being submitted on time. The lab report grades are based on how well the reports meet the above criteria and constitute 25% of the final grade.

Lab Report Checklist: Does your report…?

1. Interpret and analyze scientific information.

2. Develop hypotheses based on observation of natural phenomena.

3. Explain experimental design based on a testable hypothesis as a result of observation and prediction.

4. Record and organize data resulting from quantitative measurement using tables and graphs.

5. Interpret and analyze data and come to conclusions based on the evidence presented.