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.
1. Use a permanently bound notebook with
numbered pages. Place a table of contents at the front.
2. Record all original data, neatly in ink
in the notebook.
3. 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.
4. Each day’s work should be dated and
signed.
5.
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.
1. Purpose. A concise statement of the objectives of the
experiment.
2. Theoretical
Discussion. Include theory of
the experiment, chemical equations, and mathematical equations. Also include references to more detailed
descriptions of the theory.
3. 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).
4. Data and
Calculations. Data should be
recorded in neat tabulation form.
Include graphs where necessary.
Include one sample calculation of each type.
5. 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 does have to
be typed.