Electromagnet
Formal Lab Report Outline
Introduction –
 Discuss, in detail, the concept of electricity, electrical circuits, and magnetism.
 Describe specific examples of electricity and magnetism and their uses.
 Discuss the relationship between electricity and magnetism.
 Discuss the concept of an electromagnet and how it is formed.
 Cite your textbook (McLaughlin et. al., (2005)) or another source for this
information.
Problem Statement –
 “This lab will investigate……..” state the problems (NOT a question) to be addressed
during this lab (how an electromagnet is formed and how the strength of an
electromagnet can be influenced by this electrical current).
 State a few key materials which will be used to investigate this problem.
Hypothesis –
 State the answer to ALL parts of the problem statement and provide detailed
reasons for your answers.
 Use diagrams as needed.
Design
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Set-up –
Draw a NEAT (use pencil and ruler) diagram of all lab materials.
Title it “Design Set-Up”
Label ALL parts/materials of diagram, and provide a list of the uses of all materials
to be used in the lab. (WHY are these materials necessary?)
Materials –
 List ALL materials in vertical bulleted list (one material per line).
 Include the quantity of each material needed in the lab.
 Refer to design set-up at least once in the materials section.
Procedure –
 Number the detailed steps of the procedure in chronological order.
 State the types of measurements to be taken and their UNITS.
 Refer to design set-up at least once in procedure.
Data –
 Create 2 Separate Data Tables as follows:
Strength of Magnetic Field I
Number of Coils
Magnetic Field Distance
Number of paper clips picked
from coils (cm)
up
1
10
20
30
Give the reasons for this data. Why is it necessary to answer the problem statement?
Number of batteries
Strength of Magnetic Field II
Magnetic Field Distance
Number of paper clips picked
from coils (cm)
up
1
2
3
4
Give the reasons of this data. Why is it necessary to answer the problem statement?
Results –
 Graph the results of the Strength of Magnetic Field tables on 2 separate graphs.
(One graph with the number of coils on the X axis, and one graph with the number
of batteries on the x axis)
 Use 2 separate colors for the magnetic field distance from coils and the number of
paper clips picked up on each graph.
 Title each graph and label each axis
 Discuss the trends in each graph. (ie. As the independent variable changes, how do
each of the dependent variables change?)
 DO NOT GIVE REASONS FOR THESE TRENDS. THAT BELONGS IN THE
CONCLUSION!!!!!
Conclusion – Critique of Hypothesis –
 Restate JUST THE MAIN HYPOTHESIS CLAIM – NOT ALL OF THE REASONS
FOR THE HYPOTHESIS.
 State whether all parts of the hypothesis are accepted or rejected.
 Give specific data to justify the claim that the hypothesis is accepted or rejected.
Conclusion – Critical Connection –
 Discuss sources of error in the lab – both human and equipment.
 What are some things that can be done to improve the accuracy and outcome of this
lab?
 How can this lab be extended to other studies of this topic? (ie. Alternative
electrical energy sources?)
 Give some examples of the creation and uses of electromagnets.
Works Cited Page – include a complete Works Cited page at the end of the lab report.
Physical Science Text Book Citing:
McLaughlin, C.W., Thompson, M., and Zike, D., 2005, Physical Science, McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc., Columbus, 894 p.
REMINDERS:
Do not use personal pronouns in lab report (I, we, they, he, she, you)
Use Spell Check and Grammar Check
Type entire lab report (except for design set-up and graphs)
Use Scientific Vocabulary where possible
Title and separate (1 line) each section of lab report
Provide a complete “Works Cited” page, even if you used only one reference!