Laboratory Report Format

At the end of an experiment, a laboratory report has to be prepared individually

according to the following format :-

1. Title page –
a. The name of the course
b. Title of the experiment
c. The date you did the experiment
d. Your name and ID number
e. The date the report was submitted.

2. Objective of experiment –
 This section states the objective of the experiment.
 For example, to verify, to investigate, to measure, to determine, to
compare or to calculate.
 Use the verb form starting with 'to' (eg 'to investigate').
 Avoid the noun form which often ends in '-ion' (eg 'investigation').
 Objectives can be written either in point form or in complete
sentences

Example in point form

To measure the resistance of a specimen of wire.

To determine the resistivity of iron.

Example in a complete sentence

The aim of the experiment is to determine the resistivity of iron by

measuring the resistance of a specimen of wire.

3. Introduction - This section introduces the reader to the experiment and

briefly outlines theory and background information relevant to the
experiment. You need to state any relevant laws, equations and
theorems you will be using or investigating.

4. Materials / Components and Equipment - List everything needed to

complete your experiment.
Example :

1
 1 - oscilloscope
1 - function generator
1 - Multifunction DMM (with ohmeter ranges)
1 - dual power supply.
2 - 1N914 diodes (or equivalent 1N4148) - a small-signal diode
2 - 1N4004 diodes - a low-power rectifier diode
1 - 100 μF polarized capacitor
1 - 1 kΩ, 10 kΩ _resistors

5. Experimental procedure / Methodology –

In this section, the details of the way the experiment was performed, how
the equipment was configured, the way the data was collected, etc., are
described. Describe the steps you completed during your investigation.
This is your procedure. Be sufficiently detailed that anyone could read this
section and duplicate your experiment. The Method section describes
what was actually done and so the verbs are usually written in the past
tense, passive voice (for example, were connected, was measured, was
calculated).
The circuit and experimental diagrams should be provided. Photos
captured from the experimental set up are not accepted.

6. Results –
 Numerical data obtained from your procedure usually is presented
as a table. Data encompasses what you recorded when you
conducted the experiment. Make sure the appropriate units are
used.
 Think carefully about whether the information is better presented in
a table, a graph, or both.
 In tables, include the percentage deviations of the experimental
results from the theoretical predictions. This is important!
 Provide a sample calculation, using one complete set of data.
 Graphs and figures must both be labeled with a descriptive title.
Label the axes on a graph, being sure to include units of
measurement. The independent variable is on the X-axis. The
dependent variable (the one you are measuring) is on the Y-axis.
Be sure to refer to figures and graphs in the text of your report. The
first figure is Figure 1, the second figure is Figure 2, etc.

7. Discussions – This section is used to demonstrate the significance of the

results, and to explain why they are or are not consistent with those that
would be expected from theory and analysis.
 commenting on the results obtained
 interpreting what the results mean and
 explaining any results which are unexpected
 Discuss the significance, or meaning, of the results.

2
  Discuss discrepancies between theoretical and experimental
results, and their likely causes.
 How do your results relate to your experimental objective(s)?
 What are the strengths and limitations of your experimental
design?
 Discuss any difficulties encountered in performing the laboratory,
what were their sources?

8. Conclusions –
 This section states whether the objectives of the experiment were
achieved or not, and briefly summarises the key findings.
 Comment on how closely your measurements and calculations
agree
 Summarise the main reasons for any discrepancies.
 Write the conclusion in a single paragraph.
9. References--