Are Equations allowed in a Physics ESSAY?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the appropriateness of including equations in a physics essay, specifically in the context of writing about nanotechnology. Participants explore how the audience and grading criteria may influence the decision to incorporate mathematical expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether adding equations would enhance or detract from the quality of a short essay on nanotechnology.
  • Another participant suggests consulting the instructor for clarity on expectations and grading criteria.
  • A different participant indicates that the relevance of equations may depend on the specific equations in question and the context of the essay.
  • It is proposed that the audience's background significantly influences the reception of equations, with faculty being more accepting than lay audiences.
  • There is a suggestion that if the essay aims to make nanotechnology accessible to a general audience, the inclusion of equations may not be appropriate.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the inclusion of equations, indicating that there is no consensus on whether they are beneficial or detrimental in this context.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific equations mentioned and the varying definitions of the intended audience for the essay.

Zero-shift
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Say I'm asked to write a 1-2 page essay on Nanotech. Will adding equations improve my chances of better marks or cripple it?
 
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I'd ask your instructor to make sure you know what they want and how they will grade it.
 
Zero-shift said:
Say I'm asked to write a 1-2 page essay on Nanotech. Will adding equations improve my chances of better marks or cripple it?
Without knowing what equations you have in mind, I can't say for sure, but I don't think that equations are called for in a short essay on nanotechnology. Do you have any specific equations in mind?
 
It depends on your audience (i.e. the reader(s) of your essay). If your audience is made up of faculty, your inclusion of equations will be better received, than in an audience of high school students, and those students will be happier with equations, than in an audience of fourth graders.
Because you are being graded, you are probably preparing the essay for high school or college. However, if your assignment is to make nanotech understandable to a layman, your (audience) is different than (an audience of) the college science professor grading your essay.
 

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