Should We Use Tau Instead of Pi in Physics Papers?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of tau instead of pi in physics papers and research, focusing on the implications for clarity and understanding among peer reviewers and readers. It touches on the definitions and contexts of mathematical symbols in academic writing.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses curiosity about the acceptance of tau in place of pi in physics papers and questions whether it would confuse peer reviewers.
  • Another participant notes that tau has multiple meanings and emphasizes the importance of defining mathematical symbols in context, suggesting that only pi and e are commonly understood without definition.
  • A participant challenges the clarity of the original post, arguing that the context provided may not be sufficient for readers to understand the intended meaning of tau.
  • Further, it is pointed out that tau's different meanings in various contexts could lead to confusion, particularly if 2pi is not explicitly defined.
  • There is a reiteration of the original point about the need for context in defining mathematical symbols, indicating a disagreement over the clarity of communication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there are differing views on the clarity and appropriateness of using tau instead of pi, as well as the necessity of defining symbols in academic writing.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the potential for misunderstanding due to the multiple meanings of tau and the varying levels of familiarity among readers with mathematical symbols.

Timothy S
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I'm not a physicist or scientist but I am curious as to what your opinions are about using tau instead of pi in physics papers and research. Would you be able to get away with it, or would your peer reviewers get confused?
 
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Tau has multiple meanings. You need to define it in context.

The only math symbols that are commonly used without defining in context are pi and e (2.718...)
 
"...tau instead of pi...", this was quoted verbatim from my original post. Is that not enough context for you dr?
 
With that attitude, I bet you can look forward to great letters of recommendation.

Could you not discern that I was talking about that math symbols need to be defined in the context of their use in journal articles, etc.?

Tau has different meanings in different contexts and most readers will not recognize that 2pi is intended unless it is explicitly defined.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tau

and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi
 
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Timothy S said:
"...tau instead of pi...", this was quoted verbatim from my original post. Is that not enough context for you dr?
No that is not enough, apparently you do not know what you are talking about.
 

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