TITLE IN ALL CAPS
Name
Due date
Abstract
This is actually written last. Here we include the purpose and findings of the experiment.
This is usually no more than a paragraph, but for our purposes in this class can be two or three
sentences. Notice it is written in past tense. Do not use I, we, or they.
Introduction
This is the background information from handouts, readings, or class notes. This portion
explains the theory behind what you are doing and includes your hypothesis about the results you
expect. Here you should reference the works you used to get your ideas with footnotes. A
collegiate paper will include at least 5 references. For our purposes you may reference the
handout, the lecture notes, and your book if necessary. You must include at least one reference
properly cited1. [Example 1 is from a lab handout, 2 is from a website 3 is from a book and 4 is
from a lecture. Feel free to use easybib.com or citationmachine.net for assistance.] No results or
procedure go in this section.
Procedure
This section includes detailed instruction for performing the experiment. You should
include equipment, chemicals and techniques enough so that someone unfamiliar with the lab
could repeat the same experiment. You may also include pictures to clarify instructions if
necessary. Any pictures pulled from the web must be properly cited. Never begin a sentence
with a number or a symbol!
Results
This section includes the data analysis and observations. You should include tables,
charts and graphs to neatly display your results with explanations footnoted under each table and
graph. Be sure to include the correct sig figs with every numerical value. Explain what these
numbers mean. ALWAYS INCLUDE UNITS!
Conclusion
This is a summary of the results as compared to the expectations of your hypothesis. You
will discuss errors in this part, why they occurred and how to correct them. “Human error” is not
an acceptable term. If a Bunsen burner was turned up too high and you lost product you would
mention keeping the flame at a level below the crucible. If the water had unknown contaminants
in it that bonded with your product and gave heavier mass than expected you would suggest
deionized water. If your mass was much lower than expected perhaps the reaction continued too
long and you lost mass in the form of gas or perhaps if the mass was more than you expected
perhaps you did not wait long enough for the product to dry and could suggest allowing one
more lab period for the drying to take place. If you use the term human error you will
automatically loose points! There is always an explanation for why your results were not
within an acceptable limit. You are expected to demonstrate your understanding of the
experiment and attempt to minimize those errors during the experiment. Failure to explain what
happened implies you do not understand the experiment.
References:
1 . B o yd , K . T h e r m o d y n a m i c s o f t h e Cu/Cu2+ - Zn/Zn2 Cell, Physical Chemistry
Lab Handout Fall 2007.
2 . "Electrolysis | Tutorvista.com." Tutorvista.com - Online Tutoring, Homework Help for
Math, Science, English from Best Online Tutor. Web. 13 Feb. 2011.
<http://www.tutorvista.com/content/chemistry/chemistry-iii/redoxreactions/electrolysis.php>.
3. Stuart, Martin. Principles of General Ch emistry. McGraw Hill,
2007. Print.
4. Tang,
Maureen.
"Electrochemical
T h e r m o d yn a m i c s . "
U n i v e r s i t y, B e r k l e y , C A . J a n u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 0 . L e c t u r e .
Berkley
Formatting
Your paper should be double spaced with justified margins and in
T i m e s N e w R o m a n u s i n g s i z e 1 2 t yp e s e t . H e a d i n g s s h o u l d b e i n b o l d a n d
subheadings should be indented. All graphs and tables need to be labeled
with a title and a description of what the item is telling. Spelling and
grammatical errors should be minimal. Even though your data will be
s i m i l a r yo u r r e p o r t s h o u l d d i f f e r f r o m yo u r p a r t n e r s . W o r k s e p a r a t e l y a n d
do not copy each other’s work.