Further Instructions on Lab Report for Chem332L

Chemistry 332L, All Sections, Spring, 2011

IV. Lab Reports:

1. Format: The lab reports should follow the format of papers in the Journal of Physical
Chemistry (A, B, or C). It should have the following components:

 Title (1pt): a concise statement reflecting the key points of the report
 Authors (1pt): Your name (please also list your lab partner’s name)
 Abstract (5 pts): An abstract summarizes the report (objective of this lab, what you
did, what you found, what you learned) in a concise and informative manner. Key
values and their error bars should be reported. For example, if the experiment is to
determine the heat of combustion of sucrose, then that value and error bar should be
in the abstract). Typically 5 sentences should be sufficient. Please limit this to 200
words or less.
 Introduction (25 pts):
i) Describe the purpose of the experiment within the context of Chem332.
ii) Describe the main principle/theoretical background of the experiment
iii) Describe and define all equations to be used in the data analysis. Please
explain the origin and physical meaning of the equations.
 Experimental section (15 pts):
i)The experimental procedure (including the model of the instrument and sources
of the chemicals) is described here.
ii) Provide enough details such that any other chemistry major reading this report
will be able to set up and carry out the same experiment.
iii) All key safety issues should be identified.
 Result and Analysis (30 pts):
i) Present your raw data in informative Figures and/or Tables (specify the
conditions of the measurements when necessary or if not done in the experimental
section)
ii) Clearly describe how you analyze the data: The calculations used to analyze
the data can be printed out as a Mathcad worksheet, with the steps explained
using normal text (entered using Mathcad textboxes). Units must be explicitly
given for quantities that require them. Clearly indicate where each value comes
from.
iii) Whenever data is fit, the fit and the data should be compared on the same
graph.
iv) I will not try to follow calculations that have been done on a calculator and
inserted into the report. You will loose points for uncritical acceptance of results
that are clearly incorrect.
 Discussion (10 pts):
i) The error in your data and possible sources of the error
ii) Identify the successful and unsuccessful aspects of the lab. Point out possible
places for improvement.

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 iii) The significance of the results is explained in this section within the context of
Chem332 and real life applications.
 Conclusion (5pts): Summarize the main findings of the lab and their significance.
 Acknowledgement (1pt): Please list your lab partners’ names and their
contributions to this work. It is also appropriate to acknowledge other classmate’s
contributions here.
 References (2 pts): The report must contain references used in the preparation of the
report. References must be numbered and cited by that number in the report. The
references should be given in a manner such that anyone reading this can look them
up. Follow the JPC format.

2. Allowed collaborations. Every student must submit his/her calculations for each
experiment. Partners should collaborate to collect and share data, but each report must be
written independently.

3. You should not copy the lab instructions or books. You should describe and explain
the experiments in your own words. Reports that look like a slightly rephrased version of
the note/books are not acceptable.

4. When and where to turn-in your report:

 The report is due two weeks after the experiment was performed. Place completed
reports in my mail box (in the front office) and send an email to notify me. Please do
not turn-in your report via Learnlink or e-mail. I will only accept printed reports.
 Late reports will be penalized 5 points (out of 100) a day.

V. What you need to do before the lab.

1) Please read the laboratory instruction (posted in learnlink conference) before
you come to the prelab lecture on Wednesday.
2) You are required to have prepared for the experiments before you arrive to do
the lab. You need to write down the laboratory procedure in your lab note book and show
it to your TA.

VI. Your performance in the lab is judged by the following:

1) Overall performance: 5 points. This score is given by the TA based on your
preparation before and performance during the lab section. You are expected to have
prepared for the experiments, write down the procedures prior to your scheduled time,
actively participate in the lab and follow safety procedures.
2) Written lab reports: 95 points.
3) Lab reports will be graded and returned within one to two weeks (no more than
two weeks).