IV.

Format of Final Report

How to write your Chemistry Experiment Report

Your experiment report is a systematic account of the objectives, materials, methods,

observation results, inferences and conclusion derived from the performance of an experiment.
The formal report has the following parts:

Use the official LETTER HEAD of the department as the front page of the report. Use
the standard short size bond paper (8.5” x 11”) for the succeeding pages.

Shown on the next page is an excerpt from a report on the experiment. “Calorimetry”.
Take note of some comments.
 Cebu City

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

_________________________________ _______________
Family Name First Name Middle Initial Date Submitted

______________________________________ ___________________
Program & Year Section Group Number Instructor

Experiment No. __1__

CALORIMETRY
___________________________________
Title of the Experiment

I. Objective/Purpose: Copy from the Laboratory Manual

II. Apparatus: Copy from the Laboratory Manual

III. Materials: Copy from the Laboratory Manual

(Chemicals must be written in chemical formula)

IV. Procedure and Observations: (use passive voice)

 Combine and summarize the procedure and observations in PARAGRAPH form.

 Use passive voice.

V. Illustration

VI. Tables and Calculations

Ensure that the illustrations, tables and calculations are properly labeled.

2
VII. Discussion of Results with theory (start a new page of a bond paper)
(DO NOT USE PERSONAL PRONOUNS)
 This portion should NOT be a mere cluster of various information copied from
the book.
 This section of the report should discuss a concept related to the experiment
performed and give example from the experiment, meaning:
 Cite the theory then give examples from the experiment.
 Present in paragraph form.

VIII. Significance of the Experiment: (start a new page of a bond paper)

(DO NOT USE PERSONAL PRONOUNS)
 Answer the objectives.
 Cite practical application like in environment and industry.
 Present in paragraph form

A scientific report requires simple, straightforward, impersonal and formal

language, so avoid using the phrase, “I therefore conclude...”

IX. References (may be textbooks, published journals or other internet sources)

Note that the Laboratory Manual may not be considered a reference material.

Use the correct bibliographic entry. Author. Title of books (edition). Place of Publication:
Publishers, Copyright year. and page number.

SUMMARY: IN YOUR FINAL REPORT (format)

1. Use official front page (letter head: provided).

2. DO NOT USE PERSONAL PRONOUNS.
3. USE PASSIVE VOICE.
4. Handwritten using blue colored ink ballpen (do not use any other colored ink).
5. Margin must be 1inch on each side of bond paper.
6. Final report should be neat, clean and correct.
7. Do not fold and roll.
8. Do not write back to back.
9. Start on a new page of bond paper for each part of the final report, starting from
Illustration.
10. Staple sheets together at the upper left side. Do not use scotch tape or
masking tape.
11. Plagiarism of final reports will not be tolerated. A rating of zero will be given
for plagiarized reports.

3
Grading of Final Report: 10 points

Criteria of Final Report Grade

I. Objective/Purpose 5% (A)
II. Apparatus
III. Materials
Formatting, Neatness and Cleanliness

IV. Procedure and observation 10% (B)

V. Illustration 10% (C)

VI. Tables and Calculations 10% (D)

VII. Discussion of Results with theory 30% (E)

VIII. Significance of the experiment 30% (F)

IX. References 5% (G)

Rubrics for A, C, D and G

5 points - Legible handwriting. Neat and clean with minimal typographical errors and
erasures. Margins are well-defined and formatting is followed.

4 points - Legible handwriting. Neat and clean with minimal typographical errors and
erasures. Margins are well-defined and formatting is followed.

3 points - Illegible handwriting. Contains minor typographical errors and erasures. Margins
are not well-defined and formatting is not followed.

2 points - Illegible handwriting. Contains major typographical errors and erasures. Margins
are not well-defined and formatting is not followed.

1 point – Off-topic. Illegible handwriting. Disorganized and unkempt. Contains numerous

typographical errors and erasures.

4
Rubrics for B, E and F

6 points - Clearly identifies important features of the experiment and analyzes them in
insightful manner. Develops ideas cogently, organizes them logically and connects them with
clear transitions. Effectively supports the main points of claims, observations or assertions
made. Demonstrates facility of standard written English, but may have minor errors.

5 points - Clearly identifies important features of the experiment and analyzes them in
perceptive manner. Develops ideas clearly, organizes them logically and connects them with
appropriate transitions. Sensibly supports the main points of claims, observations or
assertions made. Demonstrates facility of standard written English, but may have minor
errors.

4 points – Identifies and analyzes important features of the experiment. Develops and
organizes ideas satisfactorily, but may not connect them with appropriate transitions.
Supports the main points of claims, observations or assertions made. Demonstrates
sufficient control of language to express ideas with reasonable clarity. Demonstrates general
familiarity with the conventions of standard written English, but may have minor errors.

3 points – Lacks identification and analysis of the most important features of the
experiment, although some analysis is present. Mainly analyzes tangential or irrelevant
matters, and/or uses poor reasoning skills. Contains limited development and organization
of ideas. Offers support of little relevance and value to any claims, observations or
assertions made. Lacks clarity in the expression of ideas. Contains occasional major flaws or
frequent minor flaws in grammar, word usage and mechanics which may interfere with
meaning.

2 points – Does not provide a logical analysis of the experiment. Does not develop ideas
and/ or is disorganized. Provides little if any relevant or reasonable support to any claims,
observations or assertions made. Has serious problems in the use of language and sentence
structure causing frequent interference with meaning. Contains grave errors in grammar,
word usage and mechanics that obscure meaning.

1 point – Provides little or no evidence of the ability to understand and analyze the
experiment. Provides little or no evidence of the ability to develop an organized report. Has
severe problems with language and sentence structure that interferes with comprehension
of the report. Contains pervasive errors in grammar, word usage and mechanics that causes
incoherence.

0 points – Off topic.(i.e., provides no evidence of an attempt to write about the

experiment), is in a foreign language, merely copies the manual, or is illegible or nonverbal

5
V. Safety and Laboratory Rules

A. General

1. Cell phones, MP3 and etc. must be turned off prior to entering the laboratory.
2. No student is permitted to work in the laboratory unless an assistant is present in the
room.
3. Performance of unauthorized experiments is strictly prohibited.
4. Practical jokes, boisterous conduct, excessive noise (as from radios, MPS etc., are
forbidden.)
5. Eating, drinking and smoking is highly prohibited in the laboratory room and laboratory
area.
6. All personal injuries, however slight, occurring in the laboratory must be reported
immediately to the instructor in charge of the laboratory.
7. Each student is required to know the location and proper use of the fire extinguisher
and first-aid kit in the laboratory where he is working.
8. All water, gas, air, electrical and other service connections must be made safe and
secured always.
9. Any accident, such as the spilling of dangerous or corrosive chemicals, explosions, fires
or like, must be reported immediately.
10. Solid matters not soluble in water (paper, matches, broken glass, rugs, stoppers,
rubber tubing, etc.) must be kept out of sinks at all times to minimize the danger of
plugging drains. Such items are to be kept away from positions where they might fall
into sinks or drains.

B. Specific (for Chemistry Laboratory)

1. Free table tops of any unnecessary things (other than apparatus).
2. Use only the quantities of reagent recommended in the procedure.
3. Never return unused chemicals to the stock reagent bottles.
4. Report any loss of equipment/instruments to your instructor as soon as possible.
5. Return each dropper to its respective bottle after use.
6. Wash glass apparatus thoroughly before returning to the laboratory in charge.
(Note: A glass apparatus is clean if NO droplets of water cling to its inner and outer
surfaces.)
7. Return borrowed apparatus at least 15 minutes before the period ends.
8. Clean the table tops thoroughly (must be left dry and clean) before leaving the
laboratory.

6
C. Personal Protection
1. Wear laboratory gowns, facemasks and safety glasses (personal eye glasses will
suffice) at all times.
2. When heating or carrying a reaction in a test tube, never point the test tube towards
your neighbor or yourself.
3. No chemicals should ever be tasted unless directed to do so by the instructor in
charge. When instructed to smell a chemical, do so by gently fanning the vapors
toward your nose.
4. When cutting glass tubing always protect your hands with a towel. When inserting
rods, tubing or thermometers into stoppers, the glass should be lubricated with
soapy water or glycerol. Tubing ends should always be fire-polished.
5. Glass tubing should extend well through rubber stoppers so that no closure can
occur if the rubber swells.
6. When diluting acids always pour the acids into the water with stirring; NEVER vice
versa.

V. EMERGENCY RESPONSE

In case of emergency, always remember the following:

1. Don’t panic. Stay calm.
2. It is your responsibility to read safety and fire alarm posters and follow instructions.
3. Know the location of the fire extinguishers, eye wash and safety shower in the
laboratory and know how to use them.
4. In the event of an injury, fire, explosion, or spill, notify your instructor, immediately.
5. Be familiar with the building exits and evacuation routes.
6. Do not return to the building until authorized to do so.

In case of an earthquake:

1. Don’t panic. Stay calm.

2. Move away from windows and DUCK, COVER and HOLD under sturdy tables or desks.
3. Do not rush out of the building if intense shaking is in progress.
4. Follow the evacuation route details described in the posters found in the laboratory.
5. Prepare for aftershocks.
6. Do not return to the building until authorized to do so.

7
I, ____________________, _____________, currently enrolled in_______________
Name of Student Course & Year Course No.
with Descriptive Title __________________________________________________

hereby certify that I have read and understood the following reminders in the conduct of the
said laboratory course:

ORIENTATION:

I. Environmental Management Policy

II. Cheating Policy

III. Absences and Grading System (Laboratory)

IV. Format of Final Report

V. Safety and Laboratory Rules for CHEMISTRY

VI. Emergency response

(Details are printed in my copy of the laboratory manual.)

As a responsible student, I am willing to conform to all these rules.

_____________________________ ___________________________________
STUDENT’S SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME DATE SIGNED

WITNESSES:

_____________________________ __________________________________
INSTRUCTOR’S SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME LABORATORY-IN-CHARGE’S SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME

CIT – University
Chemistry Department

8
I, ____________________, _____________, currently enrolled in_______________
Name of Student Course & Year Course No.
with Descriptive Title __________________________________________________

hereby certify that I have read and understood the following reminders in the conduct of the
said laboratory course:

ORIENTATION:

I. Environmental Management Policy

II. Cheating Policy

III. Absences and Grading System (Laboratory)

IV. Format of Final Report

V. Safety and Laboratory Rules for CHEMISTRY

VI. Emergency response

(Details are printed in my copy of the laboratory manual.)

As a responsible student, I am willing to conform to all these rules.

_____________________________ ___________________________________
STUDENT’S SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME DATE SIGNED

WITNESSES:

_____________________________ __________________________________
INSTRUCTOR’S SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME LABORATORY-IN-CHARGE’S SIGNATURE OVER PRINTED NAME

CIT – University
Chemistry Department

9
VI. Functions of Common Laboratory Apparatus

Draw the laboratory apparatus. Actual apparatus will be shown during lab orientation.

APPARATUS ILLUSTRATION DESCRIPTION AND

FUNCTION
Acid buret A laboratory equipment used
in analytical chemistry for the
dispensing of variable amount
of a chemical solution and
measuring that amount at the
same time.
An acid buret is a glass vial
with graduation marks. It is
used in the laboratory for
accurately measuring and
dispensing liquids.

Adapter A laboratory equipment used

to connect pieces of ground
glass joint glassware to each
other, to a vacuum source, or
to a water aspirator. It is also
used to lead liquids from a
condenser to a receiving flask
during distillation.

Alkali/Base buret A laboratory equipment used

in analytical chemistry for the
dispensing of variable amount
of a chemical solution and
measuring that amount at the
same time.
Base burets are used for base
titrants. Basically, this is used
in titrations where the analyte
is an acid.
Beaker A cylindrical borosilicate
glass container used as a
receptacle for solid and
liquid substances.

Buret clamp A clamp which is used

secure a buret on a stand.

Clay shield A heat resistant apparatus

where a clay shield is
mounted. It used to support
materials when heating.

10
Clay triangle A clay triangle is a piece of
laboratory equipment used
in the process of heating
substances. It is used in
conjunction with the clay
shield to create a stable
framework in which to place
a substance -- usually a
solid chemical -- while it is
heated to a high
temperature.
Condenser A device used in
the laboratory to condense
hot vapors into liquids
during distillation.

Crucible Tong It is used to safely handle

hot materials at very high
temperatures.

Distilling Flask
A piece
of laboratory equipment
that is used to separate
mixtures of two liquids with
different boiling points.

Dropper It is used to transfer small

quantities of liquids.

Erlenmeyer Flask It is used for the storing

and mixing of chemicals in a
laboratory setting.

Evaporating dish It is used

to evaporate excess solvent
- most commonly water - to
produce a concentrated
solution or a solid
precipitate of the dissolved
substance.
11
Florence flask It is designed for uniform
heating, boiling, distillation
and ease of swirling.

Funnel It is used to channel liquid

or fine-grained substances
into containers with a small
opening.

Glass rod/Stirring It is used to mix chemicals

Rod and liquids for
laboratory purposes.

Graduated It is used
cylinder for measuring volumes
(amounts) of liquids
accurately.

Iron clamp/Test It is used to hold test tubes

tube clamp in place during heating
operations and/or reactions.

Iron ring It is used to hold or support

beakers during experiments
while connected to the iron
stand.

Iron stand The iron stand

supports the iron ring
when heating
substances or
mixtures in a flask or
beaker.

12
Pipette
It is used in chemistry to
transport a measured
volume of liquid, often as
a media dispenser.

Pipettor/Aspirator It is used to draw liquids in

pipettes.

Test tube Containers for heating small

amounts of liquids or solids
with a Bunsen burner or
alcohol burner.

Test tube brush A brush used for cleaning

test tubes and narrow
mouth laboratory glassware,
such as beakers and flasks.

Test tube holder It is used for holding a test

tube in place when
the tube is hot or should not
be touched.

Test tube rack It is used to hold upright

multiple test tubes at the
same time. It is most
commonly used when
various different solutions
are needed to work with
simultaneously, for safety
reasons, for safe storage
13
 of test tubes, and to ease
the transport of
multiple tubes.

Thermometer It is used to measure

temperatures or
temperature changes with a
high degree of precision.

Water bath It is used to incubate

samples in water at a
constant temperature over a
long period of time. It is
also used to enable certain
chemical reactions to occur
at a controlled temperature.

Wash bottle It is used to rinse various

pieces of laboratory
glassware, such as test
tubes and round bottom
flasks.

Watch glass Used in chemistry as a

surface to evaporate a
liquid, to hold solids while
being weighed, for heating
a small amount of
substance and as a cover
for a beaker.

Wire Gauze Wire gauze is placed on the

support ring that is attached
to the retort stand between
the Bunsen burner and the
beakers in order to support
the beakers or other
glassware or flasks during
heating.
14
VII. Common Laboratory Operations

Using the Bunsen burner Connect the burner to the gas cock by means of a piece of
rubber tubing. Light a match and hold it just slightly above the top of the burner. Slowly
open the gas cock until you have a flame about ten cm high. Open and close the air holes
and note the difference in the color of the flame.

Mouth

Barrel Air hole

Collar
Gas regulator Gas spud

Gas inlet
Base

Figure 1. Parts of the Bunsen burner

Source: https://www.grainger.com/product/HUMBOLDT-Bunsen-Burner-9K457

Parts and function of the Bunsen burner:

1. Barrel = where the fuel and air mixes

2. Air hole = entrance of the air
3. Gas spud = regulates/controls the amount of fuel gas to be cmbusted
4. Collar = regulates/controls the amount of air coming in
and to close and open the air holes
5. Gas inlet = entrance of the fuel gas
6. Base = supports the Bunsen burner
7. Gas regulator = valve that controls the fuel gas coming in to the gas spud
8. Mouth = place of ignition

15
Measuring volumes of liquids: Fill a test tube and beaker (small) with water up to the
brim. Measure each volume separately using a graduated cylinder. In reading the volume,
place the graduated cylinder on a flat surface and keep the eye at level with the lower
meniscus of the liquid as shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2. Proper reading of volumes of liquids

Source:https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/c6nqXvE0UiTYVHGQGqHCPoW0gtb38OMBpHQ0v
LQC-FqiEBy-ndh4LCnRax8xoMx3ZBekZw=s90

Transferring liquids: Take two beakers (big). Fill one about ¾ full with water. Take the
beaker with water in one hand and glass rod in the other. Holding the glass rod against the
lip of the beaker containing the water and putting the free end of the rod into the empty
beaker, carefully pour the water down the rod into the empty beaker.

Figure 3. Proper Way of Transferring Liquids

Source: http://www.glass-product.com/glassproducts/glass-rod.html

16
Heating liquids in test tubes Using a test tube holder, take test tube partially filled (not
more than half filled) with water. Holding the tube at about 45 0 angle, pass the tube slowly
back and forth through the Bunsen flame in as such a manner that the top of the flame is
near the top of the liquid but does not touch the empty part of the tube. NEVER POINT THE
TEST TUBE TOWARDS YOUR CLASSMATES OR YOURSELF WHILE APPLYING HEAT TO A
LIQUID IN A TEST TUBE.

Figure 4. Heating liquids in test tubes

Source: http://www.pinsdaddy.com/test-tube-heating-
elements_*jTFhlDBoXoXbtVALdGXc*11Fa0mmxi3eeD*1uQ2L9s/

Investigating odors Many substances have characteristic odors. Some have agreeable,
others disagreeable or irritating odors. Some vapors, when inhaled, can be lethal. Be
cautious in investigating odors. Never take a deep breath of the vapor right at the mouth of
the container where the concentration of the vapor is high. WAFT OR FAN, WITH THE
HAND, THE VAPOR TOWARDS YOU.

Figure 5. Proper method of investigating odors

Source: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/tTC-
6_keHy42cIV13xF1uJDEqpksH_IkcuymO_OAxS4zm8WFtKAjhoMvqVDLDvJEc5S0=s114
17