Recording your results in a table

There should be a column for

each set of readings taken (never omit these!)

each set of calculated values from the experimental data (these may be derived for you to calculate values or plot a graph)

Headings should

be at the top of a column of numbers (this is preferable to on the left of a series of results).

give the physical quantity measured in words (eg. current, potential difference, length, time) . Abbeviations (I, V, l, t) can be used only if it is clear what they stand for in the text - it is best to include both! Do not use 'amount of' or 'quantity of'' - use 'volume' or 'mass'

include the unit the physical property is measured in. This should preferably be the S.I. unit (as this is the one that will be required in calculations).e.g. Current I (A)

have an indication of the error involved in taking the reading (if applicable). This can be given as a + value or percentage and indicates the uncertainty you have in taking the measurement - the reading is usually taken to about the nearest of a half a sale marking.

have border lines drawn around them.

Columns should:

contain only numerals (your units are at the top already.... it would be a mistake to put them in again!)

contain numbers to the correct number of significant figures. This should indicate the accuracy to which you can read the instruments you have used. (e.g. 0.20 m indicates a reading taken to the nearest cm whereas 0.2 cm indicates you can only read to the nearest 10 cm and 0.200 m to the nearest mm). Therefore a column representing a set of readings taken with the same instrument should all have the same number of significant figures.

have border lines drawn around them

Word-processing results can lead to errors. You should be very careful to check your final draft carefully

Common errors that lose you marks:

Using the wrong font: remember the symbol allows you to put in greek letters such as , , and .

Putting numbers in to the wrong number of significant figures (especially if worked out on a spreadsheet without thought to formatting the numbers in the column.

Missing out the columns with readings taken - only including columns needed to calculate the conclusion value or plot a graph is a major error - you must include the columns of results you took during the experiment!

Incorrectly calculated derived values because you have put in the wrong formula - always check at least two values in a 'fill down' column with your calculator!

Not drawing a border - making it 'a list of numbers' not a table of results.

L O Jones (October 2001)