Spreadsheet Help
It will soon be time to prepare your first graphs and do your first calculations for Chem 114 lab. There is a spreadsheet practice assignment available. You should attempt it NOW in order to decrease your level of frustration LATER.
Graphing
Some experiments will require preparation of graphs using graphing software. For all experiments that require graphing, you will be required to use a spreadsheet (most likely Excel).
Spreadsheets
One component of many of the experiments scheduled for this semester will be a spreadsheet as a means of presenting your data and calculations. If you have no prior experience in the use of spreadsheets, consult your instructor or Dr. Mencer for suggestions. This should be done as soon as possible so that you do not have to deal with the problem while trying to meet a deadline.
The following rules should be followed in preparing a spreadsheet:
- All data should be included in the spreadsheet and units must be included in identifying each piece of data and calculated result.
- All numbers should appear to the appropriate number of significant figures. Most spreadsheets allow for the easy addition or subtraction of digits presented.
- When multiple runs are presented, a calculation of standard deviation should usually be included. Here again, pay attention to significant figures (these are normally determined by presenting the deviation to the same number of decimal places as the mean). Further comments on standard deviation appear in a later section.
- Two versions of your spreadsheet should be submitted to your instructor. The top sheet should show all numbers, data and calculated values. The following sheet should be printed out in the "show formulas" mode of your spreadsheet. While you may need to adjust the width of some columns while showing formulas, it should not be necessary to do any retyping. If you have trouble finding the "show formulas" option, look under the various pull-down menus for such terms as tools, preferences, options, or other.
- When you print out your spreadsheet, column and row labels must appear in order to allow the reader to make sense out of formulas that you have entered.
- Templates are included in the lab manual to guide you in preparing the spreadsheets required for this course. But you should feel free to improvise in any way that you think will allow you to present your results in a clearer, more complete, or more logical way.
- Be sure your name and lab section appear on the spreadsheet, and if you worked with a partner in collecting the data, be sure to identify that person(s).
- Any further questions that arise during preparation of a spreadsheet should be directed to your lab instructor or Dr. Mencer.
Some Help
If you find that you need some help when working with the spreadsheet programs. Most of you will use Excel, so the this page and the links provided will focus on that particular spreadsheet program. Check out the tutorials and tips at the following sites:
If you know of a site that you would like to see linked here, just send me the URL.
These sites will at least get you headed in the right direction. You can also explore the Microsoft Excel Help built into the program. Finally, if you cannot figure out how to get the spreadsheet to do what you want seek help from a friend in lab or see your instructor or Dr. Mencer. Have fun exploring the capabilities of the software -- a spreadsheet is an invaluable tool.
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