Calculation Definition and 1000 Threads

A calculation is a deliberate process that transforms one or more inputs into one or more results. The term is used in a variety of senses, from the very definite arithmetical calculation of using an algorithm, to the vague heuristics of calculating a strategy in a competition, or calculating the chance of a successful relationship between two people.
For example, multiplying 7 by 6 is a simple algorithmic calculation. Estimating the fair price for financial instruments using the Black–Scholes model is a more complex algorithmic calculation.
Statistical estimations of the likely election results from opinion polls also involve algorithmic calculations, but produces ranges of possibilities rather than exact answers.
To calculate means to determine mathematically in the case of a number or amount, or in the case of an abstract problem to deduce the answer using logic, reason or common sense. The English word derives from the Latin calculus, which originally meant a small stone in the gall-bladder (from Latin calx). It also meant a pebble used for calculating, or a small stone used as a counter in an abacus (Latin abacus, Greek abax). The abacus was an instrument used by Greeks and Romans for arithmetic calculations, preceding the slide-rule and the electronic calculator, and consisted of perforated pebbles sliding on iron bars.

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  1. H

    How to Calculate Ideal Gas State Properties Using Molecular Dynamics?

    Dear all, I want to calculate thermodynamical properties of my molecule which I am calculating its thermodynamical properties of non-ideal part using Molecular dynamics. I need ideal gas state total energy, Cp, and Cv in several different temperatures. I am using opt+freq at B3lyp/6-311++G(d,p)...
  2. T

    How Can You Simplify the Calculation of a Complex Number Raised to a Power?

    Hi I was hoping some of you would give me a clue on how to solve this complex number task. z = (1 +(√3 /2) + i/2)^24 → x=(1 +(√3 /2), y= 1/2 I think there must be some nice looking way to solve it. My way was to calculate |z| which was equal to [√(3+2√3)]/2 → cosθ = x/|z|, sinθ= y/|z| After...
  3. R

    Rocket thrust force calculation

    Homework Statement A rocket has weight 10,000 kg and it needs to carry 5000 kg with acceleration 3.5 m/s². How much thrust force is necessary for the rocket to have a flight from Earth to space? Homework Equations F=ma[/B]The Attempt at a Solution I try that, According to Newton's law, (...
  4. C

    Two Port (Z Parameters Calculation)

    Homework Statement Attached Homework Equations On page The Attempt at a Solution I'm quite confused as to how to find V1? I'm quite sure it isn't 0. I can't seem to think of a way to find it
  5. M

    Question about calculation of planetary gear ratios

    So I've found the following formula for calculating the gear ratio of a planetary gear. Tr Turns of the ring gear Ts Turns of the sun gear Ty Turns of the planetary gear carrier R Ring gear teeth S Sun gear teeth P Planet gear teeth ( R + S ) ×Ty = R × Tr + Ts × S The example I saw on the same...
  6. F

    Instantaneous velocity calculation from position data

    Hello Forum, Given position and related time data, what is the most correct way to calculate the instantaneous speed? For example, given the data (x1, t1) , (x2, t2), (x3, t3) , (x4, t4), (x5, t5), is the instantaneous speed at time t3 given more correctly by v(t_3) = \frac{(x_4-x_2)}...
  7. Mrq

    What's wrong with my calculation here? (propagation of uncertainty)

    Homework Statement I have to calculate the propagation of uncertainty for my error analysis lab but I am getting a percentage error of about 22-34 percent, just because the partial derivative of gravitational acceleration with respect to time has a large value. Could somebody please help? I...
  8. MathematicalPhysicist

    Chemistry How to Calculate Mole Fractions and Molar Volume in a Thermodynamic System?

    Homework Statement This question is problem 1.3.1 from Herbert Callen's textbook in Thermodynamics, second edition. In the answers I have the following: Mole fraction of NaCl = 0.057, molar volume =$18\times 10^{-6} m^3/mole$. How did they arrive at these answers? did they multiplied the...
  9. T

    Seepage calculation for flow net

    Homework Statement In the 3rd pictures , it's stated that q ( flow rate) = vA = kiA , so , i = hydraulic gradiene = difference in head between 2 points/ length . But , i am not sure why A ( area) is given by $$l_1$$ , $$l_2$$ and $$l_3$$ only ? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I...
  10. P

    Calculation of no. of spectral lines for group of similar atoms

    Homework Statement The maximum no of spectral lines for a single atom during it's electron's transition is given by [∆n(∆n+1)]/2 . But I don't seem to arrive at the answer when a group of atoms are present . The question was - What is the maximum number of spectral lines possible for Balmer...
  11. A

    Calculation of equivalent resistance

    1. The Problem Statement Calculate the equivalent resistance between O and the circumference. Each wire has 24 ohm resistance and the circumference has zero resistance. 2. Homework Equations Not needed.3. Attempt at solution I tried to use symmetry to solve this problem. I understand that...
  12. J

    I Find a calculation of Schrödinger's cat experiment?

    Hello, does someone know where to find a calculation of Schrödinger's cat experiment? (like psi(cat)=|dead> + |alive>...)
  13. *now*

    Photoelectric effect calculation

    Photoelectric effect 1. Homework Statement A metal surface is illuminated with monochromatic light and it becomes charged to a steady positive potential of 1.0V relative to its surroundings. The work function energy of the metal surface is 3.0eV, the electron charge is 1.6 x 10-19 C. Calculate...
  14. L

    Please check my math about this engine efficiency calculation

    Hello. I wanted to see how much more efficient a car would be if hydrogen and oxygen (created through electrolysis of water) were injected into the engine alongside gasoline. I got lost when I found out that I would need 241.8 kJ/mol of water to electrolyze it...
  15. Q

    Plane wave angle of incidence calculation

    Good afternoon! Please help me figure out the mathematics of this simple plane wave question! 1. Homework Statement 2. Homework Equations n1*sin(theta1)=n2*sin(theta2) The Attempt at a Solution I need help calculating the angle of incidence. I found the propagation vector for incidence...
  16. E

    B Liquid Flow Calculation out of a pressurized tank

    I am an engineer who needs to help my chemical transport girl friend with a little basic physics. It has been about 35 years since basic physics for me so I am rusty. She wants to understand how to calculate the following: She drives a large tanker (cylindrical) which carries a variety of...
  17. L

    Chemistry How many grams of NaCl are needed to make a 2M stock solution?

    Homework Statement - How many grams of NaCl (molecular weight = 58 Da) would you have to dissolve in 50ml to make a 2M stock solution? The Attempt at a Solution I have thought about simply multiplying 58 by 0.1 = 5.8 g, but am not sure if this is correct. It's just the daltons that are...
  18. Shakattack12

    Calculation for Finance and Loans

    Homework Statement We are asked to calculate the comparison rate of an offset loan. Loan amount = $735000 Offset amount = $100000 Original term length = 300 months Offset term length = 254 months Original repayments = $4228.50 Adjusted Repayments (for comparison rate) = $4224.57 Total amount =...
  19. V

    Total Resistance of Parallel Circuit Calculation

    Homework Statement R1= 9 Ohms R2= 17 Ohms R3= 18 Ohms what is the total resistance of this arrangement? Express answer in ohms, correct to one decimal place. Homework Equations I used the Parallel circuit formula 1/r1 + r2 + r3 The Attempt at a Solution I got 4.0 Ohms, apparently, it is...
  20. S

    Proper calculation of the efficiency

    Homework Statement Hello! This is actually a computational-statistics problem in data analysis, and I got a bit stuck. I have several events from a Monte Carlo simulation from 2 particles collision and for each event I have the primary vertex and the tracks associated to it. I wrote an...
  21. A

    Time for Hot Water to Cool -- Calculation....

    The title says it all. I would like to know how to calculate the time for boiling water to cool off. Assuming the temperature of the room is not changing and there is a constant degree of air flow over the water. Really I would just like to know how to go about calculating this. Thanks in...
  22. S

    A Calculation a reduced matrix element using E-Wigner Th.

    Hello. I fail to follow one step in the process of calculating ⟨la∥Y(L)∥lb⟩ . The spherical harmonics Yma(L)(r) represent the 2L+1 components of the spherical tensor of rank L. Writing the Eckart-Wigner th. for M = 0 yields: (1) Also one can write (2) Coupling L and lb to l: (3) Thus...
  23. Y

    I Particle calculation during a solar proton event

    Trying to figure out how many particles would bombard an astronaut during a solar proton event. Given that the most possible is around 43,000 particle flux units (pfu) according to NASA. First calculating steradians, assuming a person is 1m^2, 1/(1E9)^2=1E-18. My calculation yields (43000...
  24. J

    I Calculation of daily solar insolation

    Hi all, I'm trying to calculate the daily solar insolation (integrated solar irradiances from sunrise to sunset) for a given location and day of the year. For latitude 43.2° and April 15th, I get: H0 = (solar constant * scale factor for intra annual variation of sun-earth distance * 86400...
  25. B

    Calculation of right-handed fraction of leptons (pi decay)

    Homework Statement I would like to understand whether reocurring formulas in the example solutions to my homework problems hold in general and ideally where they're derived from. (I'm new here; if there's there a way to embed formulas in f.i. latex code please tell me.) As an example problem...
  26. J

    I Calculation of the hour angle of the Sun

    Hi all, According to the sunrise equation, the hour angle of the sun at sunset is: cos H = -tan(a)tan(d) where H = the hour angle, a = latitude and d = solar declination angle. This equation says that H at sunset = -H at sunrise. Now, I have a few questions concerning that: 1) I was...
  27. B

    I with a Rigid Pendulum Calculation please

    I have a rigid body pendulum that is used to strike an object at the bottom of its swing. Ultimately I would like to know how much forced is the object being struck with. Could I do this with just knowing the velocity of the weight? I was thinking then I could get P=MV. Can someone please help e...
  28. bruha

    I Stellar reddening via Av calculation

    Hello, please do somebody have some experiences with calculating of stellar reddening via interstellar extinction? I made some calculation based on apparent and absolute magnitudes and distances of brigthtness star but maximum Av which I got for Betelgeuse was 1.12 mag ( for its maximum apparent...
  29. Mzzed

    Decaying current power calculation

    I would like to find the power loss over 0.3 seconds due to a resistance of 0.0015 ohms with a current following the function: I = e-15.24t-e-39984.75t where t is time. I would have imagined summing all the current over that 0.3 second period via integration would then allow me to find...
  30. F

    Calculating Heat Loss in Pipes with Air Flow and Water Surrounding

    I am new and have a math and finance background. Because of my work I am starting to get into engineering related questions, specifically in piping. I flyfish a lot and can give pointers to anyone that helps me with my questions. Say I have a 5-10' length of pvc, metal or copper pipe that is 4...
  31. G

    Damped oscillation of a car on a road: velocity calculation

    Homework Statement The car circulates on a section of road whose profile can be approximated by a sinusoidal curve with the wavelength of 5.0 m. The mass of the car is 600.0 kg, and each wheel is equipped with a constant spring k = 5000 Nm-1 and a damper with constant b = 450 Nm-1s. Calculate...
  32. F

    Is my Centroid Calculation Correct?

    Homework Statement For this shape , it's clear that the centroid and the horizontal line of equal axis lies on the same horizontal line , am i right ? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I'm not sure . correct me if i am wrong . [/B]
  33. G

    Airflow Calculation Help: Velocity, Temp, Pressure, Diameter

    Hi, I am new to the use of forums and have no experience in airflow but I was looking for some help with the calculation of the gas flow through the main stack of a cement plant, the measurements I have at the moment are as follows Velocity= 12.5m/s Temperature= 120°C Differential pressure=...
  34. K

    Self teaching basic average shear stress calculation

    Hello All I am designing some very basic components for a motorcycle project at home, and because I am interested, thought I'd use it as an opportunity to refresh my memory in order to reduce the risk of the parts failing. To begin, I want to do some basic hand calcs if possible so have...
  35. psy

    Calculation of the electric field strength

    Hey, First I want to find the electric field strength from the middle between two point charges q1 = 8nC and q2 = -6nC. The distance between the two charges is 10 cm. Then i want to find out at which point of a straight line, which runs through the two charges is the electric field strength...
  36. M

    Power signal calculation using Parseval's Theorem

    Homework Statement Hi guys, I have the following transmitted power signal: $$x(t)=\alpha_m \ cos[2\pi(f_c+f_m)t+\phi_m],$$ where: ##\alpha_m=constant, \ \ f_c,f_m: frequencies, \ \ \theta_m: initial \ phase.## The multipath channel is: $$h(t)=\sum_{l=1}^L \sqrt{g_l} \ \delta(t-\tau_l).$$...
  37. psy

    B Calculating Orbital Radius for Hydrogen Atom with Given Angular Velocity

    Hey guys, The following thing got me a little bit messed up. I want to calculate the orbital radii of an Hydrogen atom if the angular velocity of the electron is 10^16 * s^-1. At first i set the centripetal force and the electrostatic force as equals. ( m * v^2 )/ r =k * (e^2) /...
  38. EEristavi

    Calculation of limit. L'Hopital's rule

    Problem: Evaluate lim(x->0) x cotx My attempt: lim(x->0) x cotx = lim(x->0) x cosx / sinx = lim(x->0) cosx * lim(x->0) x / sinx = 1 * lim(x->0) x / sinx = lim(x->0) x / sinx P.S. I know I must/can use L'Hopital's rule to evaluate indeterminate limits, but no matter how many times I derive...
  39. R

    Spring deflection load calculation for excavator

    1. A hydraulic cylinder equipped with a helical coil compression spring(figure is attached). The oil pressure acts the spring and moves the boom from position 1 to position 2. Maximum boom load in position 1 F1max= 16550N Minimum boom load in position 2 F2min = 18550N cylinder load...
  40. Anachronist

    B Non-ferrous solenoid actuator -- Force calculation

    I'm trying to come up with a lightweight solenoid linear actuator, by constructing two electromagnets that telescope. The outer coil would be wrapped around a soda straw, and the inner coil would fit inside the soda straw and be wrapped around something smaller, like a bamboo skewer (which also...
  41. O

    Threshold voltage calculation of a CMOS gate

    Hello all, I want to know a suitable way to calculate VTL and VTH of a gate having the gate schematic and constituent transistors SPICE model (NMOS/PMOS models). Is there an easier than doing hand calculations ?
  42. Arman777

    How to Calculate Energy in EM Waves?

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I didnt understand much the question. Should I use, ##υ=εE^2## ? Then I ll take rms value of that E.But I am not sure that is that the max value.Is it max value ? I didnt understand part (B)
  43. Mr Real

    B Understanding Probability: Why Do We Divide by 2 in Certain Situations?

    I recently read a question. It was: If 100 birds are sitting in a circle and all of them peck a bird either on their left or on their right randomly, what's the expected number of birds that will be unpecked? The answer to this is 25 birds as probability of not being pecked is 25%. The logic...
  44. Mackay Scanland

    Calculate Water Leak From Hot Water System - Pipes, Pressure & More

    Hello PF, I have a question. I would like to know how many gallons per hour are leaking from a residential hot water system. Here are the parameters: House PSI or H2O pressure=100 psi. Hot water pipe size=3/4” copper. Temperature of piping that is approx. 10’ away from the water...
  45. S

    Calculation of Pressure in a Cylinder with an orifice on its surface

    I want to calculate the pressure profile inside a cylinder whose initial pressure is less than the outside pressure and has a orifice on its surface to flow air through it. Air is a considered as compressible ideal gas and mass flow rate across a orifice is assumed isentropic. Also the...
  46. eigenmax

    Calculation of temperature of a current-carrying wire

    Hello, I'm working on an electron gun and I am wondering if there is a way to calculate the temperature of the hot cathode, from it's thickness, resistance, the amount of current running through it, or other relevant factors. This is part of an attempt to calculate the energy of the emittted...
  47. B

    Simple calculation about Magnetic induction

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Why does the second term become zero??
  48. M

    Reynolds Transport Theorem and Volume calculation

    I cannot understand the the relation between Reynolds Transport Theorem and Volume Calculation. Volume calculation is an simple, straightforward process which, I think, have much connection between Reynolds Transport Theorem. We calculate volumes in thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid...
  49. K

    How Does Temperature Affect Equilibrium Constants for Conformers?

    Homework Statement Hi, I have the following task: We have two conformers and the difference in energy between them is aprox. 1 Kcal/mol. What is the Keq at room temperature vs. at -78°C? Homework Equations Keq=e^(deltaG/(-R*T))The Attempt at a Solution I tried to solve the problem the...
  50. M

    Calculation of specific volumes

    Homework Statement 300 kPa pressure and v=0.5 m3/kg. The state is fixed. I should find the temperature and quality if defined. Table values for temperature T P vf vfg vg 130C 270.1kPa 0.001070...
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