IB Physics Lab reports

We will do many experiments that do not need to be written up in detail. When you do write a full lab
report, be sure to refer to assessment criteria and address each aspect fully. Typically, a lab report in
physics should be set out according to the following outline.

Title:
Give the lab report an informative title and don’t forget to include the date. The date
should be the day that the experiment was performed.

Aim or Research Question

Explain what you are trying to find out in the experiment. This may be in the form of a
question.

Hypothesis
What do you predict will happen? Give a theoretical explanation for your hypothesis. If
possible, explain what quantities will give a straight line graph

If you cant do this, try the following starting points.:

”there will be a measurable difference when….”
‘it will be possible to use to determine a value with a precision of ….”
“it will be possible to observe/compare….”

Method
• Use a well-labelled diagram to show the method used. You do not need to make a
separate list if all apparatus is shown in the diagram.
• Write a brief description of the steps of the experiment using past impersonal
tense e.g. “the current was changed…”.
• Be sure to state clearly:
Which factors you choose to vary (the independent variable).
Which factor will change as a consequence (the dependent variable)
Which variables you will attempt to keep constant in order to make a fair
test (the controlled variables)

Results or Data Collection

• Put data in a table when possible.
• Include units and uncertainty estimates in table headings

Data Processing
• Show the method used for all calculations.
• Put calculated values in a table if possible.
• Use a straight line graph to present data when possible.
• Find the gradient and intercept of any straight line graphs.
• Make graphs at least 1/2page in size.
• Label axes of graphs with quantity and unit.

Conclusion and Evaluation

• Describe what you have found out in the experiment and EXPLAIN the results
using physics theories. Be sure to refer back to your hypothesis.
• Explain the shape of any graphs and the physical significance of gradients and
 intercepts.

• Discuss how uncertainties and errors affected the data.

• Discuss how uncertainties and errors affected the conclusions.
• Evaluate the method of the experiment. Were there any problems or weaknesses?
• Suggest improvements to the experiment. Refer specifically to the weaknesses
you have identified.