AP PHYSICS LAB REPORT FORMAT

TITLE and PARTNERS’ NAMES: (1 pts)

OBJECTIVE OR PURPOSE OF EXPERIMENT: (2 pts)In this section you will outline the objective of the experiment,eg. For a Hooke’s Law experiment, you would try to measure the increase in length of the spring as a function of the suspended mass, and from your data calculate the spring constant of the spring.

THEORY: (10 pts.)In this section, you will write down the theory underlying the experiment, including any equations you might use. If a derivation of the equations is required, you would provide that in this section.

DIAGRAM: (2 pts.) Draw a schematic labeled diagram of the experimental set up that you used. You might need to include free-body diagrams if appropriate.

MATERIALS: (2pts)In this section, you will list the materials you use for your experiment.

PROCEDURE: (3 pts) In this section, you will detail the methods used to collect data. This need not be overly long. Just a few lines to outline your experimental methods will be sufficient. I like to see a list of steps.

DATA: (10 pts)This is the section where you record the collected data, in neat tables that make logical sense and include all pertinent information. Remember to include units and make conversions as necessary.

ANALYSIS: (10 pts) This section would include your calculations, any graphs that you draw and analysis of the information you extract from the graphs, i.e. slope, or a description of the functional dependence of the variables on each other etc. If there are no graphs, then this section must include a qualitative or quantitative analysis as appropriate. This section should include any error calculations

CONCLUSION: (10 pts) This section is a summary of your results, including numerical values where necessary. This iswhere you would list any sources of error in your experiment. Remember that your conclusion MUST address the objective of the experiment. You could also discuss any new questions that arise from your experiment.

Total Points: 50 pts

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Your lab reports must be typed.
  • For most labs, it is acceptable to collaboratewith your group on the lab. However the final

Report must be written in your own words.No personal pronouns should be used (Example: Instead
of “We measured the length of the spring”, you should write “The length of the spring was measured”)

  • Graphs must be drawn on EXCEL or Data Analysis. All axes must be labeled accurately with appropriate units. Each graph should have a title. Trend-line equations should be included with appropriate units.
  • Written up Lab reports must be turned in two days after the lab is completed, unless stated otherwise.
  • RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.