Body The body of the manuscript should be presented in a logical sequence. Sometimes, dividing the paper into titled sections is helpful, both for the author in organizing his/her ideas and for the reader to follow. The choice and naming of these sections should be a logical layout for the information being presented. (Note that your Outline may be a useful guide for this.) What follows are some general guidelines, primarily developed for presenting original research. You may need to make adjustments to fit your topic. (Look at articles appearing in Physical Review journals for examples.)
Introduction: The introduction is a brief (usually one to a few paragraphs) explaining the motivation in the work being presented (why is this interesting, of what use is it, etc.) in very general terms. You may also choose to present some general background information here, but nothing technical Develop theoretical background, starting from a reference point that will be familiar to your readers. Derivations (only as needed) should be complete enough to follow, but not overly detailed..
Theory: Develop theoretical background, starting from a reference point that will be familiar to your readers. Derivations (only as needed) should be complete enough to follow, but not overly detailed.
Implementation: For a theoretical paper, briefly describe the calculations. If pertinent, comment on the computer codes, calculations, assumptions made, etc. For an experimental paper, connect the theoretical quantities to those that can be measured in the lab. Explain how your experimental data will be converted to more familiar “textbook” quantities.
Experiment: Describe the experiment. Include photos or diagrams of the apparatus and briefly describe its operation, control, and tolerances. What are the controlled quantities? What did you measure?
Results: Experimental or calculational results presented in an easily digested format. Usually this will mean figures (plots) comparing one quantity to another, showing the trends and extremes. Occasionally tabulated data (only a small amount!) is useful, but results should be presented in tabular form only when there is compelling reason to do so. Comment on the results. Estimate errors or uncertainties and discuss their sources. Do the results agree or disagree with existing experiments or theories?
Future Directions: You may suggest or speculate on future directions of the experiment, theory, or technology.
Conclusions: Pull it all together here. Review, sum up, and comment.
Acknowledgments: Credit where credit is due, for financial support, significant input, etc.
References Use MLA style to cite your sources within the body of your manuscript, and then provide a Bibliography (or Works Cited) page at the end of your manuscript. If you need help formatting your referenced, you can use the Purdue University Online-Writing Lab at owl.purdue.edu/owl.purdue_owl.html for help. You may also ask for help from SWOSU’s Writing Center.
