'relation' or 'relationship' in scientific writing

[xupeng66]

Hi All,

Here is a question that has puzzled me for a long time. When writing a scientific paper, should I use 'relation' or 'relationship' when describing the connection of a studying object with some other processes? For example, should I say 'the relation of hydrothermal activity to earthquakes' or 'the relationship of hydrothermal activity to earthquakes'?

Thanks!

 

[tedmc]

..when describing the connection of [STRIKE]a studying object[/STRIKE] an object/activity under study with some other processes.


You say: the relationship between hydrothermal activity and earthquakes.

'Relation' between two things is the actual connection or similarity between them whereas 'relationship' is the way they are connected and covers a wider scope.

not a teacher