Writing the Physics Lab Report
Labs are the basis for our understanding of the key concepts in physics. What follows are
the guidelines for success in writing a quality lab report.
1. All laboratory reports are to be word-processed.
2. Your name, the name(s) of all members of your laboratory team and the date the
investigation was performed is to be written in the upper right hand corner of the first page of
each report.
3. An appropriate title for the report should be placed in the center of the first page of the
report.
4. Each of the following sections of the laboratory report should be prefaced with the section
names.
Purpose
This is a statement of the problem to be investigated. It provides the overall direction for
laboratory investigation and must be addressed in the conclusion.
Apparatus
A list of all laboratory apparatus used in the investigation, along with a detailed diagram to
illustrate the configuration of the apparatus, should be included in this section. See example
below. The variables to be measured should be clearly pictured.
Procedure
This section should identify and name all experimental variables and briefly describe how the
independent variables are controlled. Someone who was not present during the lab should
be able to understand how the experiment was performed by reading your procedure.
Data
Data consists only of those values measured directly from the experimental apparatus. No
values obtained by way of mathematical manipulations or interpretations of any kind may be
included in this section of the report. Data should consist of as many trials as judgment
would indicate necessary. The units for physical measurements (kg, m, s, etc.) in a data
table should be specified in column heading only.
Evaluation of Data
This section should include all graphs, analysis of graphs, and post laboratory calculations.
State each formula, and if necessary, identify the symbols used in the formula. If repetitive
calculations are to be performed, substitute only one set of data into each formula and then
construct a table of values for all additional calculated values. Be certain that your final
calculated values are expressed to the correct number of significant figures. Do not show
your arithmetic calculations.
Conclusion
In the conclusion you must do the following:
a) State the relationship between the variables identified in the purpose in a clear, concise
English sentence.
b) When a mathematical expression can be derived from graphical analysis, write it, making
sure to include the appropriate units. State the meaning of the slope and discuss the
significance of the y-intercept (when appropriate).
c) Describe any new terms that arise as a result of your evaluation of data.
d) When your results differ from what is expected, provide a plausible explanation.
