Mono Track vs. Stereo Track

Hi Boys and Girls,
  I'm a little confused as to the mono vs. stereo track option and when it's best to use either.  Does the track pan differently when in stereo as opposed to mono?  Does it only affect the plugins?  How does it affect the sound of the track? I need a lesson on this subject from one of you Sonar/recording gurus out there.  Thanks for your help.
Pete

I could be wrong, Janet, but I think Cakewalk is hoping am MC-like environment for new Sonar users develops here.
Personally, I think it's a good idea, and see it as a place where someone like Steve (in particular) can really shine.

Pete, consider your sound source.
Are you recording a track with one mic? Use a mono track.
A stereo track of a mono source is mono anyway, it just uses more resources.
Panning a mono track gives a more precise sense of placement in the stereo field.
Panning a stereo track is more like a fade.
Experiment with both, and you'll see what I mean.
What are you recording? Vocals, acoustic guitar, other instruments?

Use Mono always for tracking. The only time you might want stereo is if you are tracking a synth which has some wild stereo effect you want it on your track. Panning is not effected nor are plugins they should operate the same but there are anomalies in plug ins.