Lab Write-up Guidelines

I. Name Block (in the upper right-hand corner)

A. Your Name (do not use your Codename)

B. Date (of starting the lab)

C. Names of your lab partners (correct spelling of first and last names required)

D. Lab TA and Section

Example (Placed in the upper right-hand corner of the 1st page of your lab writeup):

II. Title

III. Abstract

Briefly (in one or two sentences) explain the connection between the lab activities and the physics being explored.
Also explain any new physical phenomena, vital information and measurements, or novel discoveries that you have made.

IV. Experimental Setup

A photograph of the experimental setup (can be taken with a smartphone camera).
A graph or diagram illustrating the experimental setup.

V. Results and Discussion

A. In the exact order of the lab handout, present the data collected during the execution of the lab. For data presented in tables, use the attached data table guidelines (see below).

B.  When the procedures call for calculations, show a sample of each type of calculation. The sample should start with the equation to be used and should include definitions of the variables.  Next, write out the equation substituting the variables with numbers, making sure to include units. Write out the answer to the sample calculations (again, including the units).

Example:

Equation: voltage = (current) x (resistance)

V = I R   (Note: you must use Word's Equation Editor for writing equations so that they look more professional)

where V = voltage (in volts),  I = current (in amperes),  R = resistance (in ohms)

Data point #1: I = 0.063 A,  R = 18.1 ohms

v = (0.063 A)(18.1 W )  = 1.14 v

(see the "Sample Lab" writeup for professional looking equations using Word's Equation Editor)

C.  When procedures call for making a graph, adhere to the attached guidelines (see below).

D.  Answers to the discussion questions should be in the same sequence as the questions appear in the lab handout.  The answers should indicate independent thinking (in other words, duplication of your lab partner's responses is unacceptable).

Presentation of data and results via tables and graphs is paramount. It is a measure of your capacity to communicate what you've observed. Accordingly, tables and graphs will comprise a substantial portion of your lab write-up score.

Table/Graph Guidelines

I. Data Tables  (see the "Sample Lab" writeup for more examples)

Each table must contain the following structural items:

II. Graphs  (see the "Sample Lab" writeup for more examples)

Each graph must be constructed according to the following guidelines:

• • Title
  • Labeled axes, including units
  • Consistent increments
  • Data points indicated by a symbol (circle, square, or other figure).
  • When warranted, a best fit curve (or line) through the data points should be drawn.
  • Data points should have associated error bars.