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 only time for 1E12 is computer coding. The only time for 10^12 is email programs that don't have a superscript option.
3. Avoid: VLED or V_LED or \(V_{LED}\)
   Instead use: \(V_{\text{LED}}\)
   In scientific writing, you have to use subscripts. The only time for V_LED is email programs that don't have a subscript option. Note that text such as “LED” is not italicized. In LaTeX you can code this as V_{\text{LED}}.
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.
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.