PRACTICAL WRITE-UP FORMAT & GUIDELINES

N.B.:
• Headings should be uniform and in the correct order.
• Complete the “Index to Experiments” after writing up each practical with a
pen – complete the “No.” column, the “Brief Title” column and the Date
Carried Out” column. Ensure that when you are completing each column that
the writing does not go over into another column.
• DRAW A MARGIN 2 CM FROM THE EDGE OF EACH LINED PAGE
FROM THE TOP OF THE PAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE USING
A RULER AND A PEN.
• DO NOT WRITE CONTRACTIONS OR SYMBOLS SUCH AS “&”.
ALWAYS WRITE OUT THE FULL WORD. FOR EXAMPLE, WRITE DO
NOT INSTEAD OF DON’T AND WRITE AND INSTEAD OF &.
• DO NOT TEAR ANY PAGES OUT OF THE LAB BOOK.
• LAB BOOKS ARE TO REMAIN IN THE LAB AT ALL TIMES.

DATE: (date of implementation of experiment, including the year)

TITLE: (title of experiment, e.g. A graph of distance vs. time)

AIM: (what is to be accomplished by doing the experiment)

APPARATUS: (all equipment and materials used in the experiment must be listed;
separate each item with a comma)

DIAGRAM: (diagram of apparatus, where applicable; draw and label with a sharp
pencil; should be large; NO SHADING)

METHOD: (step by step procedure written in the PAST TENSE; written in number
form; place the numbers in the margin)

RESULTS: (results obtained from the experiment)

Can be in one of the following forms:
1. Prose (written description of observations in the correct tense)
2. Table (numerical: physical quantities with symbols and units should be stated
in heading and separated by a forward slash (/) – quantity/unit; values should

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 be placed to the correct number of decimal places or significant figures;
draw the lines of the table with a sharp pencil – should be fully enclosed;
write in the table with pen)
3. Graph (use a sharp pencil; should have title written in terms of the
quantities being plotted; both the vertical and horizontal axes should be
labelled with the quantity being plotted and its corresponding unit separated
by a forward slash (quantity/unit); draw in vertical and horizontal axes at
the edge of the graph; place a tick mark (short line perpendicular to the
axis) by each mark major value on both axes; use a good scale (multiples of
1, 2 or 5 should be used; multiples 3 and 7 should be avoided); accurate
plotting of fine points; points should be plotted using a dot enclosed by a
small circle  or a small x; use a clear
ruler to draw the line of best fit so all
the points can be seen when drawing the
line of best fit)

N.B. A best fit line is a straight line which

shows the general trend of the data. It passes
through as many plotted points as possible.
However, if it cannot pass through all plotted
points the remaining points should be as evenly
distributed on either side of the line.

CALCULATIONS: (any calculations; must be shown with attention paid to units;

show each step for the calculation on a new line; the equation for the gradient
should be written in terms of the quantities being plotted, e.g. if a graph of
current vs. voltage was plotted, then the equation for the gradient would be
𝐼 −𝐼
written as follows: gradient = 𝑉2 −𝑉1 )
2 1

PRECAUTIONS: (any precautions taken to improve the accuracy of the results

obtained or to prevent injury; state how the precaution improves accuracy or how
it prevents an error; e.g. do not just write: “The scale of the metre ruler was read
perpendicularly.”; instead write: “The scale of the metre ruler was read
perpendicularly to avoid parallax error.”)

N.B.: Examples of precautions:

• The scale of the metre ruler was read perpendicularly to avoid parallax
error.

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 • The scale of the measuring cylinder was read at eye level from at the
bottom of the meniscus to avoid parallax error.
• The scale of the ammeter was read at the point where the pointer blocked
out its image in the mirror to avoid parallax error.
• The scale of the voltmeter was read at the point where the pointer blocked
out its image in the mirror to avoid parallax error.
• Ensure polarity is maintained when connecting the ammeter and voltmeter in
the circuit.
• Ensure to wait 10 seconds between taking reading to avoid the temperature
of the wire increasing as this could lead to inaccurate results.
• The measurements for ………… were taken …………… times and the mean was
calculated to increase the accuracy of the results.
• The key was removed from the switch when the circuit was not in use so as
not to drain the cell (or battery).
• A countdown method was used (3, 2, 1, 0) and the stopwatch was
simultaneously started on 0 to increase the accuracy of the results.
• Clamp the stand to the bench to ensure it is stable and cannot fall over and
cause injury.
• Release the pendulum through small angles from the vertical, to prevent
injury.
• Clear any spillages immediately to prevent slipping.
• Ensure a student stands at the end of the ramp to catch the trolley, to
prevent injury to feet or damage to the trolley or floor.
• Take care when swinging the pendulum to ensure it does not collide with a
student.
• Allow equipment to cool before handling, to reduce the risk of burns.
• If using a mercury thermometer, any breakages should be referred to the
teacher immediately.
• Keep all electrical equipment away from water.
• Make sure your hands are dry before handling the electrical equipment.
• Avoid touching your face and wash your hands at the end of the session, to
avoid getting iron filings in your eyes.
• Turn the circuit off when it is not in use to prevent the effects of
overheating.

CONCLUSION: (statement(s) related to the aim of the experiment)

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