Template and Guidelines for Formal Laboratory Report in College Physics

Reynold V. Luna
Department of Natural Sciences, College of Science,
Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa, Manila 1016
reynold@pisika.org

Abstract. This is the abstract of the paper. The
abstract briefly summarizes the main results and
methodology in the research or experiment. It
should start with a statement about the problem or
topic of the report. It should not contain the details
of the result especially data obtained, but the
average or final value of important quantities may
be mentioned here. Main conclusions are also
stated in the abstract. Abstract should be italicized
and must not contain more than 100 words.
Introduction
In writing any report, always observe correct
grammar. Each sentence should be saying what you
really want to say.
For the Introduction, discuss the basis for
the experiment including some theoretical
background leading to the problem being
investigated. Observe proper format as suggested in
this template. Paragraphs are Justified (alignment)
and separated by single empty lines. Font is 12
point Times New Roman. Section headings are in
bold. Margin in all four sides is 0.5 inches and the
two columns are spaced 0.5 inches apart.
parentheses as illustrated above by the number (1);
align the equation numbers to the right.
Also include a discussion on the possible outcomes
of the research and their implications on our
understanding of nature.
Make sure that section titles—like Introduction,
Methodology, Results and Discussion, Conclusion,
Acknowledgments, and References—are not
isolated from the corresponding body of the section.
Do not forget to update the page footer.
Please cite the source of any image used in the
report unless you made the image yourself. Place
the reference below the image as shown in Figure 1.
Number continuously and put some captions for
every figure in the report.

Clearly state and define the problem and its

importance or applications.

If equations are used in the analysis of the

experiment results, discuss it here in the first part of
the paper. Derive the equations if necessary or cite
your references where the equations are obtained.
To write the equations, use Equation Editor or any
other mathematical expression editors. Ask your
teacher or peers how to use the software. The
following equation is written using Equation Editor:
x2 Figure 1. Geometric representation of vector addition [4]
W =∫ F ( x ) dx (1)
x1
Double-click the object to see if you have the
software installed in your computer. Label all Methodology
important equations with numbers enclosed in This part of the paper details the procedure
employed in the experiment including the
theoretical basis for such procedure. Do not present
Experiment No: Title of the experiment Page 1 of 2
the procedure as a list of steps but in paragraph
form.
Describe the setup of the experiment using a
diagram. Properly label your diagrams and describe
the materials used in the setup. Explain the function
or role of each material.
Results and Discussion
Before discussing the main results, write about your
actual experiences in conducting the experiment
especially on problems encountered in
measurement, setting up of the experiment,
recording and gathering of data. Also include your
comments on the design of the experiment.
Present the results using a diagram or a table. In
presenting a table, do not show every data you
gathered as what is shown in the data sheets.
Instead, make a tabulated summary of data
containing only those values needed in discussing
the result in relation to the principle or problem
being investigated. Actual data sheets are attached
as appendices in the formal report.
As much as possible, avoid using the “therefore, I
conclude” statements. Conclusions must not exceed
100 words.
Acknowledgments
Thank everyone who made this report possible.
Thank only people and institutions (not objects)
who have contributed to the attainment of the
objectives of the experiment including those who
helped in writing the formal report. Write the
complete name—that is, first name and surname—
of the person and the complete name of the
institution.
References
[1] Author, Title of the paper, Title of the journal,
Vol., No., Year
[2] Author, Title of the book, Edition, Year
[3] http://www.domain.com/complete_address/web
page
[4] http://www.phys.psu.edu/~rutledge/vectors.html

Write your answers to the Guide Questions in this

section. Follow the following format in writing the
answers to Guide Questions:

1. What are the possible sources of error in the

result?
Write your answer after the question. Make a
concise, direct-to-point answer to the question.

2. Succeeding questions are written by continuing

the same numbering system and putting an
empty line after the answer to the previous
question
Answer to the second question.

3. and so on
and so forth

Conclusion
Before stating your conclusions, restate the problem
being solved and/or the principle being investigated
in the experiment. State your conclusion in clear
and straightforward terms—do not put flowery
explanatory remarks. Make sure to relate your
conclusion to the original problem you are solving.

Experiment No: Title of the experiment Page 2 of 2