ABSTRACT: The abstract
is a mini-paper and includes the objectives of the work, method(s) employed,
summary of results and conclusions - all of which appear in the full report.
INTRODUCTION: The introduction
should include the nature and scope of the problem, review of pertinent literature,
and method of investigation. It is not necessary to make an exhaustive literature search or to
include entire sections of a physical chemistry text. Rather, focus on necessary theory as it applies to your experiment.
MATERIALS AND METHOD: Describe all chemicals, their name, formula and purity; instruments
used as well as their manufacturer and model number; detailed procedure of
how you actually performed the experiment. Give all data in neat tables, labeled with
appropriate units. If you analyzed
an unknown, give its identifying number.
If you analyzed a known sample, identify it, describe it and give its
source.
CALCULATIONS: Show all
calculations. Sometimes you may have
to describe in words what you are calculating or the purpose of the calculation.
Clearly indicate the results of all calculations and results of the
experiment. Use tabular form to present your results if
they are extensive.
RESULTS and DISCUSSION: In this section give your conclusions and evidence
for each conclusion. Relate your work
to known previous work. Point out
exceptions, unsettled points, and any errors you are aware of.
REFERENCES: List all
significant references in complete form for citations. Examples are:
JOURNAL
ARTICLES: Huffman, J.C.; Lewis, L.N.;
Caulton, K.G. Inorg. Chem. 1980, 19, 2755
BOOKS: Bockris, J.O.; Reddy, A.K.N. Modern Electrochemistry; Plenum: New
York, 1970; Vol 2, p. 132.
References for Report
Writing:
1. Shoemaker, Garland, Steinfeld, and Nebler, Experiments
in Physical Chemistry, any edition, McGraw-Hill: New York - Gives a sample
of a typical lab report
2. Sime, Rodney J. Physical Chemistry: Methods, Techniques, and Experiments, W.B.
Saunders Co.: Philadelphia, 1990, ch. 8, p. 158.
3. Dodd, Janet S., editor The ACS Style Guide,
American Chemical Society: Washington, D.C., most recent is the second edition,
1997.
4. Day, Robert A. How To Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, ISI Press: Philadelphia, 1979
© Dr. Noel Sturm 2009