This is really just a handout.

9 Rules for Professional Typography in Physics

1. Avoid: \(2kg\)
   Instead use: \(2 \text{ kg}\)
   There is a space between the number and the unit (the number and the unit are separate “words”). Units are not italicized. This helps distinguish between \(2\text{ kg}\) (two kilograms) and \(2kg\) (\(2\) times \(k\) times \(g\)).
2. Avoid: 10^12, or 1E12
   Instead use: \(10^{12}\)
   In scientific writing, you have to use superscript. The notation 1E12 is specific to computer coding. The notation 10^12 is a shortcut that might be appropriate for an informal email message.
3. Avoid: VLED or V_LED or \(V_{LED}\)
   Instead use: \(V_{\text{LED}}\)
   In scientific writing, you have to use subscripts. Note that subscript text such as “LED” is not italicized. In LaTeX you can code this as V_{\text{LED}}. The notation V_LED is a shortcut that might be appropriate for an informal email.
4. Avoid: wavelength=d*sin(theta)
   Instead use: \(\lambda=d\sin\theta\)
   Algebraic variables are italicized. There are spaces on either side of the equals sign. The sine function is not italic. LaTeX and Microsoft Equation Editor will manage much of this for you.
5. Avoid: 10 Ohm
   Instead use: 10 \(\Omega\)
   In Microsoft word you can use the font called "Symbol" to get Greek letters. Alternatively, Latex and Microsoft Equation Editor also take care of Greek letters by typing (\Omega).
6. Avoid: Voltage (v)
   Instead use: Voltage (V)
   Units are case-sensitive. The symbol for the volt unit is capital V.
7. Avoid: \(\theta = 0.674740942\)
   Instead use: \(\theta = 0.67\) or \(\theta = 0.675\)
   It is unlikely your solution will require more than 1% accuracy.
8. Algebraic variables are defined in the text the first time they are used.
9. Use a consistent font size for equations and text.