A. Data book:   Each student should purchase a laboratory notebook in which all material relating to laboratory experiments is to be recorded. The notebook should be arranged with alternate white and yellow pages and carbon paper. The carbon copies (yellow sheets) of your work are to be given to your laboratory instructor at the end of each experiment. Keep the notebook legible and neat.
B. Calculator:  Bring a calculator to each laboratory session.

Preparation for the laboratory is essential. Read the theoretical introduction to each experiment before coming to the lab. You should also consult any relevant sections of your text in order to see how the experiment fits into the overall development of the course.

A. There will be a brief pre-lab demonstration at the beginning of each lab session. Your lab tutor will summarize the physics to be studied and introduce the apparatus.
B. Where possible, make rough measurements to check that the apparatus is working as expected before taking data.
C. Taking data – When making measurements, always try to be as precise as possible. Understand the limitations of the technique or measuring device. Estimate the uncertainty in each measurement.
D. Plot the data as it is being taken! By plotting as you proceed, you can often catch poor data on the spot. Also, trends in the data will become apparent. This will aid you in adjusting your data-taking procedure so that you take data points where they count. In the long run, plotting data as you proceed will save you time.
E. Before dismantling the apparatus check to make sure your data is complete and reasonable. 

A. Be punctual to the laboratory. Important instructions will be given at the beginning of each lab session.
B. If you cannot be in the lab at your scheduled time please notify your lab instructor in advance.
C. If equipment fails, tell the laboratory assistant immediately so that it can be repaired.
D. Please do not smoke, eat, or drink  in the laboratory.
E. Please keep the lab benches clear. Hang jackets by the door and place bags in the spaces provided under the benches.
F. The computers are provided for data acquisition and analysis. Please do not use them for any other purpose.

Your lab report should be an orderly record of what you did in the lab. Your report should include the following:

1. A statement of the purpose of the experiment, including equations to be tested. Omit theoretical derivations. - A sketch of the apparatus, defining relevant parameters - Your data with uncertainties and units - Sample calculations - Plots of your data - Propagation of uncertainties, when requested in the lab manual (see the section on uncertainties in this manual) - Answers to any questions posed in the lab manual - Conclusions: Are the data consistent with the theory, within the uncertainties of your measurements?

Your lab report is the major input the TA uses when evaluating your lab work. A disorganized or illegible report is impossible to grade even if you have done everything correctly. It is also easier to see what you have done if you present your work neatly and logically. Here are some suggestions on how to do so.

• Titles:  Write a brief title for each section. The title will help your TA identify which part of the experiment you are discussing.
• Notation: Explain all of your notation. You can do so by describing each variable in words or by drawing diagrams of the apparatus and labeling the various things you measure.
• Numbers: Never write down an isolated number—it should be clearly marked with the measurement that it represents and its units.
• Tables:  Large amounts of related data may be best reported in a table. The units can go in the column heading, as can the uncertainties if they are all the same. If you calculate some quantity from measured quantities you may want to add another column containing this calculated quantity.
• Graphs: Graphs should have titles. Axes should be labeled with their meaning, numerical values and units. 
• Deleting mistakes: Be sure that the carbon copy is clear, especially if you have crossed something out. Crossing out is best done by ruling a line through each line in your work.
• Prose:  You should write enough so that your TA can figure out exactly what you did, even if he or she does not have the lab manual handy. Only then can your TA  give you partial credit for incomplete work.