LABORATORY NOTEBOOK AND REPORT
As you perform your experiment all data should
be recorded in the laboratory notebook. Notebooks and reports should be
complete, clear, and concise so that anyone reading about the work at any
future date will understand the experiment and its results.
The Notebook
Before coming to the laboratory prepare your
notebook by including a brief description of the experiment, a condensed
set of directions, a compilation of constants and other data which can
be obtained before the laboratory period, and any other pertinent information,
including references, which may be useful in performing the experiment
and in doing the calculations.
The laboratory notebook should contain all
the essential data. Original data must be entered as it is obtained. Writing
numbers on slips of paper first and later transferring them to the notebook
is not permitted. Although transferred data is neater, original
data is more important than neat data.
The following rules should be observed when recording
information in the laboratory notebook.
- Use a permanently bound notebook with numbered
pages. Place a table of contents at the front.
- Record all original data, neatly in ink in the
notebook.
- Correct mistakes not by erasing but by drawing
a single line through the incorrect entry. Make an explanation if necessary.
Do not remove a page.
- Each day's work should be dated and signed.
- Use the proper number of significant figures,
including zeros. For example, a volume of 10.00 ml should be recorded
as 10.00 ml, not 10 ml.
The Report
The laboratory report should be well organized
and well written so that anyone can read it and know what you did. It should
be typed or neatly written on 8 1/2" X 11" sheets, brief
and to the point, and written in correct English.
The report should be divided into five parts.
- Purpose. A concise statement of the objectives
of the experiment.
- Theoretical Discussion. Include theory
of the experiment, chemical equations, and mathematical equations. Also
include references to more detailed descriptions of the theory.
- Experimental Procedure. Briefly describe
the laboratory methods, but include enough information so that another
chemist could repeat the experiment from your description. Include drawings
of apparatus where necessary. Do not copy the directions in the laboratory
manual, but do include the reference(s).
- Data and Calculations. Data should be
recorded in neat tabulation form. Include graphs where necessary. Include
one sample calculation of each type.
- Discussion of Results. Include an analysis
of errors. Discuss the significance of your results and your conclusions.
Compare your results with literature values where possible.
A sample of a laboratory notebook and report
follows. The report must be typed.
Example Lab #1
Example Lab #2
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