Data Table Basics

A proper data table will help insure that all your efforts spent doing a physics experiment will not be in vain.  There is not much point in doing an experiment and ending up with no data.  The first page of your lab report will include a data table with all the following elements.

1. Title
   All data tables should have a descriptive title which describes what data is being gathered.
2. Table
   Data should be arranged in columns (not rows).  The top of each column should have the variable name listed with the units used in parentheses.  The independent variable (the variable that you as experimenter control) should be in the left most column and the dependent variable to the right of the independent variable.  If you manipulate data or calculate new data columns when doing graphical analysis, place these columns in the right most columns.
3. Constants
   Below your data table you should record any quantities which were held constant in the experiment.  Be specific and give actual values if possible.  For example don't just record that the volume of water used in an experiment was constant.  Instead record that the volume of water used was 6 cups.  This information may help you determine the significance of slopes on graphs.
4. Sample Calculations
   In order to determine the mathematical relationship between the experimental variables you may need to manipulate your data or do calculations on your data.  You do not need to show each individual manipulation or calculation; however, you must show one example manipulation.  Show equation(s) used in calculations.

Example Data Table shown below