Defining Quantities and Units in Scientific Papers: How to Handle Unusual Forms?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the correct way to define quantities and their units in scientific papers, specifically addressing the notation for squared quantities. The consensus is that once a quantity, such as time (t), is defined, its squared form (t²) can be derived directly from that definition. The correct notation is to define t as time (s) and subsequently refer to t² simply as time² (s²), as supported by the input from user Vanadium 50.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of scientific paper formatting
  • Familiarity with standard units of measurement
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical notation
  • Experience in writing lab reports
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the conventions for defining units in scientific writing
  • Explore guidelines for writing mathematical expressions in papers
  • Learn about the International System of Units (SI) and its applications
  • Review examples of well-structured scientific papers for clarity on quantity definitions
USEFUL FOR

Students, researchers, and academics involved in writing scientific papers, particularly those focused on lab reports and technical documentation.

epsilon
Messages
29
Reaction score
1
I am writing a lab report as part of my degree and, of course, it must be in the standard scientific paper format.

I have come up against something that isn't particularly difficult but something that you must get correct for papers. I am defining quantities and their units, however I am not sure how to define the quantity when it is not in its usual form.

The situation is that normally you would say: t = time (s).
So how do you say t2?
Would it be: t2 = time (s2) OR t2 = time2 (s2)?

Many thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't understand. Once you have defined t, you have also defined t squared.
 
I agree with Vanadium 50. Define t, done.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
3K