Holy Ghost Preparatory School



Holy Ghost Preparatory School

Physics Lab Report Task Descriptions

Most of the laboratory experiments in this course are computer-based. The procedures for the experiments are contained in the hand-out sheet that will be given to you at the beginning of the lab experiment. You will be graded on the tasks listed on the grading rubric. The following descriptions will serve as an aid in understanding the requirements for each of these tasks.

1. Objectives: A brief statement of the purpose of the experiment. What are you trying to determine by performing the experiment? For example, a purpose statement could be “The objective of this experiment is to determine how the time it takes for water to flow out of a container depends on the diameter of the drain hole and the initial height of the water in the container”.

2. Pre-Lab Theory (if any): Before you begin the lab, you may be asked to theoretically solve a problem that corresponds to the lab. Your lab report must include your theoretical solution. Most importantly, you must include a conceptual explanation of what that theoretical solution implies in terms of the lab. Your pre-lab theory should include:

o A short introductory statement indicating what is being calculated and a sketch of the situation described in the problem with all known variables (if possible).

o Correct fundamental concept(s) in word form or fundamental equation(s) to be used written in variable form (no numbers).

o Correct mathematical steps taken to solve the problem.

o Correct substitution of given numbers (if any) into the equation(s).

o A correct boxed numerical answer accompanied with a complete sentence describing the implications of the numerical answer.

3. Data: Organize your data table(s) so that

o The table(s) include a title.

o Data table columns and rows include labels and correct results.

o The table(s) include several trials.

4. Graphs: Always create representations of your data in graphical form. The computer-based experiments will all contain graphs that you will obtain data from. These graphs must be included in your lab report.

The requirements for computer-generated graphs are:

o A title must appear above each graph.

o Each axis must have a label followed by the units of the labeled quantity.

o Important data points labeled.

o Write a sentence or two below the graph that explains the implications or main point to be extrapolated from the graph. For example, “Fig. 1 – Graph of force vs. acceleration indicating the force was not constant as shown by the peaks in the graph”.

5. Analysis Questions: Effectively communicate your answers to questions. Assume the reader of your report has not read the questions in the lab procedure. All answers should be written in complete sentences that do not require the reader to guess what the question was.

The answers to questions should NEVER begin with the words “it” or “they”. For example, in responding to the question: “What can you conclude from your velocity vs. time graph about the acceleration of the cart?”.

A proper response would be: “Since the velocity vs. time graph is a straight line, the acceleration of the object is constant”.

Notice that the answer:

o Answers the question (the acceleration is constant).

o States how you know the acceleration is constant (because the graph is a straight line).

o Is particularly important if the experiment involves more than one graph.

Examples of poor or unacceptable responses are: “The acceleration is constant” or “It is constant”.

6. Conclusions: Recall that you performed the experiment with a specific purpose in mind. This section of the report is a brief statement of your results and whether or not you achieved the purpose of the experiment. Many readers of experiments read the conclusions first before looking at the details of the experiment. In other words, if you write a good conclusion, then readers might be interested in your experiment, otherwise your report just becomes a waste of time.

What conclusions can you make about:

o The purpose? Write a statement that refers back to the purpose of the lab.

o The main physics concepts applied to the lab?

o The numerical result achieved? What is your percent error from the expected results?

o The answer? Does the result make sense? If not, why not? What are sources of error?

o Any mathematical relationships decided from your results? For example, a relationship between two variables:

Force is proportional to 1/(distance)2

Or an equation relating two variables: v = (9.8 m/s2) t

o The design and effectiveness of the experiment to illustrate and/or reinforce the physics concepts introduced? What modifications would you make?

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