Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
How many words should an abstract be? I have 204 words. Will this be fine?

Hello ndnballa360,

An abstract is intended to tell a reader in general terms what the full article will contain. For example, if an article contained a mathematical calculation of the lifting ability of a particular kite, the abstract might say something like, "I calculate the lifting ability of a Keynesian kite."

The full article would contain all the explanatory information about how the calculation was done, give the equations used, and give the result.

Abstracts should be as short as possible while still previewing all the important content of the article. An abstract is never too short if it is complete and clear.

Good luck, WW