LAB REPORTS
Data, Figures & Tables

Tables

• Tables must be typed.
• Each table is numbered with a title. The first table is Table 1.
• All tables are together, in order, after the text.
• Include one example calculation for each type of calculation done
• Tables have correct units. Usually done in column headers.
• Table should include data uncertainties in of each measurement (sometimes done in column headers or separate columns).
• Make your own tables. Do not copy from others or rip out the tables from the lab book.

Example

Table 2. Measurments of momentum from 3rd trial.
mass (kg) +/-0.5kg	speed (m/s) +/- 0.5	momentum (kg m/s)
1.0	5.0	5.0
2.0	2.5	5.0

Example Calculation:
p=mv
(1.0kg)(5.0m/s)=5.0 kg m/s

Figures

• Each figure numbered with a title. The first figure is figure 1.
• All figures are together, in order, after the tables.
• Figures must include title and axes with appropiate scales and axis labels with appropiate units
• Figures must be drawn by hand on quality graph paper unless otherwise stated
• Figures must have an indication of the uncertainty of each point on the graph.

  For example, in a position(x-axis) vs. time(y axis) plot suppose the uncertainty in position is 0.2 cm and the uncertainty in time is 0.5 sec. One draws a point at the correct correct coordinates. A horizontal line of length 0.2 cm is then drawn through the point and a vertical line of length 0.5 sec is drawn through the point.

• Include horizontal and vertical lines on each point on a graph indicating the uncertainty in each axis value. If the the lines are too small to be seen on the scale being used then state this.
• When calculating the slope do not use data points. Use points that lie on a line drawn through the data points.
• When writing calculations on graphs be sure to include units.
• Make your own figures. Do not copy from others.

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Data

• Some labs may require extensive calculations or derivations. These may be done on a separate page appropriately labeled. This should be located in the back of the report following the figures.
• Uncertainty Table. All measurements should have a measurement uncertainty listed. The source of the uncertainty must be stated in the following places.
• Uncertainty table
• text of report
• in each data table
• in each graph
In your table section include a table listing the measured quantities, their uncertainties and the source or sources of the uncertainties.
Table of Uncertainties

measured quantity	description of measured quantity	uncertainty in measurement or measurements	source of uncertainty
q	position of image using method 1	+/- 0.05 cm	the optical bench is graded to 0.1 cm
q	postion of image using method 2	+/- 0.1 cm to +/- 0.8 cm	the image appeared focussed on the screen over a range of screen positions. The degree of uncertainty varied over the range indicated and the specific values for each measurement are listed in the data tables.