General Physics Laboratory

Lab Experiment Grade Distribution

Total experiment grade: 100 points
Quiz (15 points)
Lab Report (85 points)

Structure of the report grade

Points
Objectives 10
• Short statement of objectives
• No extended theoretical explanation
Method 10
• Short explanation of how the objectives are reached (what was measured and calculated)
• Formulas that allow calculating the objectives (final formulas only)
• Notations explained
• No extended theoretical explanation or figures from the manual
• Objectives and Methods should not exceed one page
Analysis 25
• Initial Data
o Copy the initial data part of the template
o Provide an explanation of the data measured and state your opinion about possible blunders or systematic
errors
o If necessary, make a change in data and rerun the template
• Best Estimate Value (BEV)
o Use template and copy formulas into the report following a brief explanation
o Expand each formula with a sample calculation replacing notations in the formula with their values found in
the template
o Provide detailed explanations for the formulas used
o Tables as required – use template
o Plots with titles, axis labels, and units – use template
o If LINEST function is used, explain the physical meaning for each value in the LINEST table
• Error Evaluation
o Use template and copy formulas for error calculations
o For the largest uncertainty component only, expand formula with a sample calculation replacing notations
in the formula with their values found in the template
o Use LINEST function to find uncertainty for the slope or the intercept
Final Results 15
• Include results from parts A and B respectively as specified in the “Reporting Final Results”
section of the Error Analysis manual
• Make sure to round the uncertainty and best estimate value as specified there
• Present fractional uncertainty
• Units
Conclusion 25
• Comparison charts showing the ranges of possible values for the final results
• Analyze the accuracy and precision of the final results
• Discussion about possible systematic errors, and analysis of random error components
(which component is dominant if any)
• Questions answered

Version 5.23s
 General Physics Laboratory
Total 85

Late Penalty (assigned after the report is graded): 5 points for every 24 hrs the report is
late. Late time is counted from the due time, with a precision of one minute.

If unexplainable inconsistencies are found in the report, the report is tentatively given
ZERO grade. The student will be able to explain the inconsistencies to the instructor. If the
explanation is not satisfactory, zero grades are assigned permanently. Two zero grades lead
to automatic F grade for the course.

Version 5.23s