The second workshop run by PAUA on the basic structure of report writing.

1. Report Writing
(‘Spilling the beans’)
PAUA Workshop 2

2. What else we have in store:
• Study Skills
• Report Writing Guide + Tips
• Course Selection
• Introduction to LaTeX/Python
• Exam study tips

3. Case Study
• Free-fall lab
• http://www.physicsclassroom.com/lab/1dkin/Klabs.cfm#K9

4. Structure
• Basic information
- Name
- ID number
- Partner’s name
- Day and Date of Experiment
- Experiment Title

5. Structure
• Aim
- Brief statement about your objectives
- Paraphrase what you have been given
e.g.
To describe the acceleration of a free-falling object as being either constant or changing; as being directed
upward, downward or both (depending on some other variable); and as having a particular numerical value.
What you might do:
To determine quantitatively the acceleration of a free-falling object

6. Structure
• Method
DO:
- Note any changes to the method (+ explanation)
- Use your own words
DO NOT:
- Copy the entire method from the handout
e.g.
If you used a 100g block instead of a 100g mass, say so

7. Structure
• Results and Analysis
- Present measurements with UNITS and ERRORS!
- Show examples of calculations (one for each)
- Graphs must have PANTS.
e.g.
Distance = (2.3 ± 0.4)m
a = 2d/t2 ; using different objects for example

8. Structure
• Discussion
- State your results and explain what they mean
- Compare it with theoretical expectations
- Comprehensively evaluate your method
e.g.
a = -9.3ms-2 - means acceleration is downwards at a constant -9.3ms-2
Theoretical: -9.8ms-2 -> What caused the difference? Systematic errors? Random errors? Nature of experiment?
Method: Why did you make alterations? What effect did it have on your results? What effect might NOT changing
the method have on your results?

9. Structure
• Conclusion
• “In conclusion, I have performed ____________, which resulted in my
experimental value of ___________ to be [measurement and
error]…”
• Compare with a reference value
• INTRODUCE NOTHING NEW.