DETERMINATION OF THE GAS CONSTANT - Writing Laboratory Reports

The reports for most of the experiments will consist simply of the completed Result Sheets, together with your answers to a short set of questions which need to be handed in at the end of the practical session. However, some Experiments (3) (as stated in the beginning of the individual experiment) need longer reports, in the modern scientific format. The laboratory report for these Experiments should take the following form:

Title: Title of the experiment, Student's name, and date on which the laboratory work was completed.

Aim: A brief statement of the experimental aims or objectives is required in this section. This may follow but not limited to the form used in the laboratory manual.

Introduction: The introduction section should explain what the laboratory exercise is about. What is the context of the experiment? What are you trying to achieve? Theoretical background to how are you going to achieve it?

It should not be a mere reproduction of the Introduction given in the manual. (word limit for this section is between 200 to 300 words)

Method: Since the method has been described in the laboratory manual, only the page number reference is required. However, sufficient details must be given about any changes to the method (and non-standard methods explained, i.e any deviation from the method given) so that the reader can know what you have exactly done. (Marks will be deducted for rewriting the entire procedure)

Results: All raw numerical data with units (results) recorded in the laboratory must form part of the laboratory report. Any working for conversion of units should also be shown. The template result sheets in the lab manual will assist in presentation and organization of your data and make provision for the final result. It is essential to show in your report the steps followed for calculation of results. The full calculations can be attached as an appendix.

It should be possible for the person marking the report to find all the essential data (raw and calculated) for checking the calculation of the result. Where required, calculations should be carried out using SI units. The final result should always be rounded off to the correct number of significant figures, and have associated with it a particular uncertainty which reflects the limitations of the measuring device.

If graphs are required to be drawn, use spreadsheets (e.g. MS Excel) as this is the most accurate way to obtain a line of best fit. Clearly show the axis, units and equation of best fit in the graph. If you are not familiar with it ask your lecturer or tutor.

Discussion: This is perhaps the most important part of every scientific report, and allows you to make personal contribution to the experiment. It should include a brief discussion of your results. What do the results indicate? Are they close to the accepted values in the textbook (and in scientific books)? If not, why not? Are there any theoretical reasons? Experimental errors? Even if your results are close to the “accepted values”, do you trust your results or are they a fluke? The relevance of the experiment?

The discussion should be brief and to the point (word limit: about 500 – 600 words).

There will be 5% of the total marks allocated for thinking “outside- the- box” discussions (e.g.:- application of the experiment or concepts- to industry, day-to-day life etc).

Conclusion: A brief summary of your results, directly related to the aims of the experiment. Numerical values of the final result along with appropriate units must be explicitly stated along with the conclusions you have made.