Writing Equations

  • Introduce all important concepts and their symbols before the equation appears. Note: symbols are in italics):

    [Example] The centrality of the velocity of light c in special relativity is evidenced by the energy E of a mass m moving with momentum p:   E = (m2c4+ c2p2)1/2 .
    or slightly better:   E   =   ( m 2   c 4   +   c 2   p 2 ) 1/2  .
     

  • Don't use build up factions in the text.
    NOT:
    The resistance R can be written in terms of the 
    
    current I flowing under a voltage V applied 
                               V
    across the resistor:  R = ---.
    	                   I
    

    INSTEAD:
    The resistance R can be written in terms of the current I flowing under a voltage V applied across the resistor: R = V/I.

    Note the equation is part of the sentence and must be punctuated.


Your comments and suggestions are appreciated.
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Writing Equations
<http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~wilkins/writing/Resources/English/equations.html>
[Thursday, 04-Dec-2008 16:26:30 EST]

Edited by: wilkins@mps.ohio-state.edu on Thursday, 24-Apr-2008 17:56:21 EDT