What is Introduction: Definition and 794 Discussions

In an essay, article, or book, an introduction (also known as a prolegomenon) is a beginning section which states the purpose and goals of the following writing. This is generally followed by the body and conclusion.
The introduction typically describes the scope of the document and gives the brief explanation or summary of the document. It may also explain certain elements that are important to the essay if explanations are not part of the main text. The readers can have an idea about the following text before they actually start reading it.
ln technical writing, the introduction typically includes one or more standard subsections: abstract or summary, preface, acknowledgments, and foreword. Alternatively, the section labeled introduction itself may be a brief section found side-by-side with abstract, foreword, etc. (rather than containing them). In this case the set of sections that come before the body of the book are known as the front matter. When the book is divided into numbered chapters, by convention the introduction and any other front-matter sections are unnumbered and precede chapter 1.
Keeping the concept of the introduction the same, different documents have different styles to introduce the written text. For example, the introduction of a Functional Specification consists of information that the whole document is yet to explain. If a Userguide is written, the introduction is about the product. In a report, the introduction gives a summary about the report contents.

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  1. Greg Bernhardt

    Solid State Introduction to Solid State Physics by Charles Kittel

    Author: Charles Kittel Title: Introduction to Solid State Physics Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/047141526X/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  2. Greg Bernhardt

    Introduction to Algorithms by Thomas H. Cormen

    Author: Thomas H. Cormen (Author), Charles E. Leiserson (Author), Ronald L. Rivest (Author), Clifford Stein (Author) Title: Introduction to Algorithms Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0262033844/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  3. Greg Bernhardt

    Linear Algebra Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction by David Poole

    Author: David Poole Title: Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0538735457/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Table of Contents: Vectors Introduction: The Racetrack Game The Geometry and Algebra of Vectors Length and Angle: The Dot Product...
  4. Greg Bernhardt

    Astrophysics An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics by Bradley W. Carroll and Dale A. Ostlie

    Author: Bradley W. Carroll (Author), Dale A. Ostlie (Author) Title: An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0805304029/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  5. Greg Bernhardt

    Atomic Atoms, Molecules and Photons: An Introduction by Wolfgang Demtröder

    Author: Wolfgang Demtröder Title: Atoms, Molecules and Photons: An Introduction Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/3642102972/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  6. Greg Bernhardt

    Quantum Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David J. Griffiths

    Author: David J. Griffiths Title: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0131118927/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents: Contents PART I: Theory 1.The Wave Function 1.1 The Schrodinger Equation 1.2 The Statistical Interpretation...
  7. Greg Bernhardt

    Particle Introduction to Elementary Particles by David Griffiths

    Author: David Griffiths Title: Introduction to Elementary Particles Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/3527406018/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Contents:
  8. Greg Bernhardt

    Topology Introduction to Topological Manifolds by John Lee

    Author: John M. Lee Title: Introduction to Topological Manifolds Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1441979395/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Prerequisities: Real Analysis course involving epsilon-delta and preferebly metric spaces, group theory Level: Grad students Table of Contents: Preface...
  9. A

    An Introduction to Thermal Physics by Schroder - any thoughts

    Hi! I'll be covering the above book next semester and was wondering if there is anything I should be particularly aware of about thermal physics. -aLearner
  10. M

    Exploring Mechanics: A Review of Kleppner and Kolenkow's Textbook

    Can anyone comment on the difficulty level of this book? The one by Daniel Kleppner and Robert J Kolenkow. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521198216/?tag=pfamazon01-20 I've been thinking of buying it and studying from it, but reading the Amazon reviews has me thinking i should stay away from it...
  11. O

    Looking for book on Introduction to QFT

    Hi. I'm studying (introduction to) QFT, and I'm really lost. If possible, I'd like a pointer to a good textbook on the subject. I'll give an example of my confusion with a question: I think I've understood phi(x) as a classical scalar field, what it is and how to use it in a lagngian for...
  12. A

    Wrong answers to problems in Introduction to Electric Circuits, 8th Ed

    Wrong answers to problems in "Introduction to Electric Circuits, 8th Ed" I'm studying electric circuit analysis on my own using "Introduction to Electric Circuits, 8th Ed, International Student Version" by Dorf and Svoboda (ISBN 978-0-470-55302-2 to avoid any confusion) and it seems like every...
  13. M

    Good book for an introduction to proof based math

    I'm kind of new to proof based mathematics, can you guys give me an advice on what a good book pertaining to this should I get? I don't really care about what particular subject in mathematics it is, just as long as it can give me a good knowledge and skills in proving, and it's something...
  14. M

    Introduction to Electrodynamics: External Field & Induced Charge

    Homework Statement Introduction to Electrodynamics by Griffiths, 3rd ed. pg 141-2, Example 3.8: An uncharged metal sphere of radius R is placed in an otherwise uniform electric field E=(0,0,E). [The field will push positive charge to the northern surface of the sphere, leaving a negative...
  15. T

    Griffiths, introduction to E.M, Pr. 10.8 (Lorentz gauge)

    Homework Statement Confirm that the retarded potentials satisfy the Lorentz gauge condition. Homework Equations \vec{A}(\vec{r}, t) = \frac{\mu_{0}}{4\pi}\int\frac{\vec{J}(\vec{r'},t_{r})}{R}d\tau' V(\vec{r}, t) = \frac{1}{4\pi\epsilon_{0}}\int\frac{\rho(\vec{r'},t_{r})}{R}d\tau' Where...
  16. S

    Introduction to Special Relativity for a twelve year old

    Hello! I am currently a twelve-year old, and I am interested in learning about Relativity. I have heard that there are two main fields relativity is divided into - special relativity, and general relativity. Although some people have said that general relativity is considerably harder than...
  17. B

    Introduction to Finite Element Analysis

    Folks, I have the book An Introduction to the Finite Element Method by J.N Reddy. The following website provides http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072466855/student_view0/executables.html access to the Fortran Executable but I am not sure how to work them. I am just beginning to...
  18. B

    Thermal Physics Introduction- solving for entropy and temperature change

    Homework Statement A container is divided into two parts by a thermally conducting wall. There are N atoms of a monatomic ideal gas on the left side, 2N on the right. The gas on the left is initially at absolute temperature 200K, the gas on the right at 500K. a. After thermal equilibrium...
  19. A

    Introduction to digital logic design Video Lectures

    Hi, Can anybody recommend me a good video lecture series on Introduction to digital logic design? I want to watch these videos before going to class.
  20. S

    Looking for good introduction to coherence/decoherence

    Hi all, does anyone here have a good internet source that explains coherence and decoherence in layman's terms? My intro modern physics class left off at the beginning of schrodingers wave function due to time constraints and I am trying to teach myself a bit of the stuff we missed. Thanks =)...
  21. A

    Undergrad w/o formal quantum introduction, having trouble

    I am about to start my junior-level courses (advanced mechanics, quantum I, etc) and I've been working on a project with a professor this summer. Basically, I am trying to reproduce the results of this paper: http://arxiv.org/abs/nucl-th/9611049 . Right now I am trying to work only with...
  22. J

    Technical Paper for an Introduction to Mechanical Engineering class

    Hello all; I have a homework 'question' I'm hoping I can get some help with here. For my Introduction to Mechanical Engineering class, we have been tasked with writing a technical paper and there is a portion of the mark dedicated to using social media and the internet to enhance the paper...
  23. N

    Why is Griffiths not a good introduction to QM?

    I've seen quite a few people on this forum agree that Griffiths is not a good book to learn QM from. But I was wondering what reasons people would give for it. (Personally I don't feel I can give an in depth critique since I've only sampled his book. I rather liked his explanation of...
  24. matqkks

    Introducing Vectors: Motivating Examples to Make an Impact

    What is a good way to introduce vectors on a linear algebra course so that students are motivated from the start? I need an opening which will have a real impact. Are there any motivating examples?
  25. matqkks

    MHB Can Vectors Be The Key to Motivating Students in a Linear Algebra Course?

    What is a good way to introduce vectors on a linear algebra course so that students are motivated from the start? I need an opening which will have a real impact. Are there any motivating examples?
  26. A

    Good Textbooks for Introduction to Degree-Level Physics

    Hi - i am going to go to univerisity soon and have begun to look up courses in Physics. can anyone please recommend a degree-level physics textbook (in either general physics or a specialised area) that I can read over just to get an idea of the course and how it will be? i don't want a very...
  27. J

    How can I get started learning programming without any prior experience?

    Okay forgive me because i am completely new to programming - as i am going to ask some possibly stupid questions: How is a computer language like python, java created? Who creates them? Is Word,Excel created using python, java etc?
  28. Karlx

    A good book for an introduction to Algebraic Topology

    Hi everybody. Next year I will start an undergraduate course on algebraic topology. Which book would you suggest as a good introduction to this matter ? My first options are the following: 1.- "A First Course in Algebraic Topology" by Czes Kosniowski 2.- "Algebraic Topology: An...
  29. matqkks

    Vectors Intro: WOW Students with Linear Algebra!

    I am trying to write a hook for vectors on a linear algebra course. Does anyone have an opening fon vectors that will have a real impact on students?
  30. G

    Question about Courant's Introduction to calculus and analysis

    I am extremely interested in mathematics, and most probably plan to major in it. Do you guys feel as though this book would be accessible to a high-school student, willing to gain a more rigorous understanding of calculus? I have already completed calculus 1 and found it rather easy, and I am...
  31. A

    Personal introduction, OSU student.

    Hello folks, my name is Allan and I'm new here. Seems like a great forum. I'm looking for a study buddy at OSU. I'm an econ student switching over to a science and am prepping for honors physics in Autumn. Nothing overly cooperative - mostly for motivation. I'm in the honors program and at...
  32. H

    Introduction and general help regarding powers

    Hi there, Good evening all. Ok, I've just started my HNC in electrical engineering (1 month in via open learning)and to be honest, I'm struggling. I understand all the concepts of the equations regarding bending moments, shear force diagrams etc but i can't seem to get to grip with the...
  33. S

    Recommendations for Introduction to Lasers Books

    Greetings everyone, I am an undergraduate physics student an I would like to receive your suggestions about introduction to laser books. Which one do you recommend for a beginner? The possible candidates I have found are as follows: Laser Fundamentals William T. Silfvast Basics of Laser...
  34. 4

    Looking for help in Introduction Mechanics(Kleppner) and EM(Purcell)

    Hello everyone. Thank you so much for taking your personal time to read my post. I am a very zealous and passionate undergraduate physics major! I've changed my major to physics about two years ago in my community college, and I will be now transferring to a university as a physics major...
  35. N

    Introduction to Gross-Pitaevskii equation

    Hi to everyone :) Like the topic's title says, I am starting my journey to Bose-Einstein condensate. What I am looking for are some basic introductory papers or materials that deal with derivation of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation on the basic, most elementary level that is possible. I am...
  36. C

    The introduction of color and it's antisymmetric wavefunction.

    I've read that color was introduces as a degree of freedom nessecary to satisfy the pauli exclusion principle in the quark model of particles. For example for the omega minus which had an observed total spin of 3/2 and no angular momenta ment that the spin had to the the same for all of the...
  37. H

    Convergent Series: Introduction & Identification

    I need to know about converge series.For example how to identify a converge series.Plz explain.
  38. I

    Looking for an introduction to eternal inflation

    Hi, I currently have to learn about the topic of eternal inflation, at a basic level for now, I am already familiar with the topic of inflation. I don't know what are the good references to this subject. I will try to start in Weinberg's book of cosmology (the one published in 2008), but is...
  39. P

    Introduction to cartesian tensors

    Homework Statement This exercice is in a Chapter named Introduction to Cartesian tensors. The following is the original question of the exercise: Homework Equations Compute the vector: (x1^2 + 2x1*x2^2 + 3x2^2*x3), i The Attempt at a Solution Plz help me, i don't understand what...
  40. J

    Looking for a not gentle introduction to Q. Physics

    I know a fair amount of theoretical Quantum Physics, how things work within it, and the ideas that ground it. I lack, though, the more advanced mathematics. Right now I'm taking an Engineering course, and last year I studied a little bit of Quantum Physics, but the calculations were limited...
  41. B

    Which textbook for an introduction to the Standard Model?

    Hi. I am an undergraduate physics student and have just begun lectures on elementary particles and the Standard Model. At the moment I really know nothing about this branch of physics and am looking for recommendations on a textbook which introduces the subject well. Thanks
  42. S

    Introduction of nuclear reactor physics summer 2012

    Hello I am looking to introduction of nuclear reactor physics course in the summer 2012 can u help me to find this course in any universities ?
  43. C

    MHB A Introduction to Statistics Question on Normally distributed RVs

    Question from Jim on Yahoo Answers: The things you should know are: 1. The sum of normal random variables is a normal random variable with mean equal to the sum of the means and variance equal to the sum of the variances. 2. Multiplying a normal RV by a constant gives a normal RV with mean...
  44. S

    Introduction to Pigeonhole Principle

    Homework Statement Give a sample problem its solution employing Pigeonhole Principle Homework Equations Pigeonhole Principle The Attempt at a Solution We have this homework about pigeonhole principle which hasn't been discussed yet, but we need to present an example and present it...
  45. The Chaz

    LaTeX What is a brief overview of LaTeX?

    Here are a few: http://codecogs.com/latex/eqneditor.php (WYSIWYG) http://tobi.oetiker.ch/lshort/lshort.pdf (PDF) ftp://ftp.ams.org/ams/doc/amsmath/short-math-guide.pdf (FTP)
  46. P

    Introduction to Vector calculations (Calculus 3)

    Homework Statement Find nonzero scalars a, b, c, such that au+b(u-v)+c(u+v)=0 for every pair of vectors u and v This isn't a homework question, more of a conceptual exercise, but I want to understand it thoroughly.The Attempt at a Solution I've gone to u(a+b+c) + v(c-b)=0 then I couldn't quite...
  47. X

    Should I buy Introduction to Electrodynamics (3rd Edition) (Paperback)?

    Should I buy this book for a good price now even though I won't be taking a junior year E@M class till two years from now. I'm asking because I could use Griffiths now as a good reference book. But because it's paper back idk if it will last for two more years. This semester I'm taking an E@M...
  48. lonewolf219

    Calculus 3 introduction to cross product

    Just learning about vectors in 3 dimensions. Would it be correct to think of the cross product vector like a resultant vector? Is it similar to the displacement? If so, why is it always 90 degrees from both original vectors? If anyone has some deeper insight into any of these vector topics...
  49. Rob D

    My introduction and a question on my intended

    I'd like to introduce myself and ask a pedagogical question regarding my future studies. My name is Rob Dorsey and I am a 64 year old, disabled and retired airline pilot living in a southern suburb of Cincinnati. I have a degree in music with an engineering minor from a small regional university...
  50. W

    What is the Best Book to Learn Topology for General Relativity?

    Hello i studied Sadri Hassani az mathematical physics book. if i want to learn topology (( for general relativity )) what it the best book for introduction ?
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