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Writing in Physics

Eric I., former writing center tutor

Please keep in mind that these are only general guidelines; always defer to your professor's specifications for a given assignment. If you have any questions about the content represented here, please contact the Writing Centers so that we can address them for you.

Introduction

Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through space-time (see more at Physics on Wikipedia). In general, a formal, academic voice is used in writing in physics. Physics writing includes but is not limited to research, analyses, data reporting, experiment reporting, and explanations of illustrations.

All writers should keep clarity and concision in mind when writing in physics, in addition to the following characteristics: cogency, brevity, logical flow of ideas in presentation of material, and placement of the topic in the context of the discussion.

While a standard organizational format does not exist, writers generally follow a reporting style that mirrors the scientific method (see more at The Scientific Method on Wikipedia). Writers familiar with writing in biology, chemistry, and other natural sciences will see some similarities with writing in physics. Professional and technical writers may also be familiar with some of the general conventions of writing in physics.

Preferred Bibliographic Style

Although a universal preferred bibliographic style does not exist, the following citation and publication styles are commonly used:

  • American Institute of Physics. Style Manual: Instructions to Authors and Volume Editors for the Preparation of AIP Book Manuscripts. 5th ed. New York: AIP, 1995. Print.
  • Council of Science Editors. Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers. 7th ed. Reston: Council of Science Eds., 2006. Print.

Common Writing Assignments

  • Laboratory Reports - Labs are the basis for understanding key concepts in physics; lab reports, therefore, are the written logs of the findings and procedures in a given lab.

  • Essays - Research-based essays; experimental reports/essays; quantitative and qualitative based research

  • Research Project Abstracts - An abstract is a short summary of the key findings and other important details in a report, paper, or essay.

Helpful Resources

“Physics Writing Guide,” prepared by Dr. James G. McLean, Dept. of Physics & Astronomy, State University of New York at Geneseo. Information specific to writing in and about physics in addition to writing a peer-reviewed journal article.

“Physics Department Citation Style Recommendation and Writing Guidelines,” prepared by Williams College Libraries. Includes recommendations for choosing a citation and publication style as well as general writing guidelines.

“Writing about Physics (and other Sciences),” prepared by Kenneth Meiklejohn, Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, and Margaret Procter, Writing Support, University of Toronto. Advice and checklists for writers writing about physics and other sciences.

“Sample Abstracts from American Journal of Physics.”

“Writing a Physics Paper—an Interview with Robert N. Cahn,” prepared by Kate Metropolis. Covers what makes a good experimental physics paper and other factors in writing in physics.

DePaul University Physics Department

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