Here is an example of a Sample Calculations section in a lab report. Here the writer shows one example of the calculations that were done with the collected data. This calculation was performed on each trial (12 times in all) but should only be shown once as an example.
In this experiment, the scientist needs to include the gravitational potential energy of a ball in his data table, but only the height that the ball was dropped from was measured. The student needs to show the reader a sample calculation of how he determined the potential energy from the drop height of the ball.
Data Processing & Presentation:Sample Calculations:
Height = 1.275 m
Mass of ball = 0.0573 kg
Epot = mgh = (0.0573kg)*(9.8 m/s2)*(1.275 m) = 0.716 J
Notice the writer identifies the values for each key variable. If an equation is used that is specific for the science subject, the equation would also be included in this section.
If three trials are done, then the average should be calculated. An example of showing the sample calculation for an average of three trials is shown below.
Data Processing & Presentation:Sample Calculations:
For Length = 0.988 m
Avg. Period: (6.00 + 5.85 + 5.96) / 3 = 17.81 s / 3 swings = 5.94 s / 1 swing
Notice the attention the writer paid to the proper number of significant figures.