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. A

    Calculation of permissible error in physical quantity

    Homework Statement I have doubt in calculating the permissible error. It goes as follows Measure of two quantities along with the precision of respective measuring instrument is A = 25.0 ± 0.5 m/s, B = 0.10 ± 0.01 s. A physical quantity C is calculated as C = A × B. What will be the value of...
  2. S

    Calculation of torque of engine (mathematically)

    We have tried to convert a petrol engine into a compressed air engine back in our graduation project. At that time we only measured the RPM of engine using tachometer and pressure of compressed air using pressure gauge. Now, we need to know the power of wngine at those readings. As the setup is...
  3. A

    Calculation of permissible error in physical quantity

    Homework Statement I have doubt in calculating the permissible error. It goes as follows Measure of two quantities along with the precision of respective measuring instrument is A = 25.0 ± 0.5 m/s, B = 0.10 ± 0.01 s. A physical quantity C is calculated as C = A × B. What will be the value of C...
  4. P

    I Not understanding Hulse Taylor period shift calculation

    I have been studying Hulse Taylor PSR 1913+16 calculation of period shift which is regarded as indirect proof for gravitational waves, but I don't understand one thing. If you look on the graph of Cumulative period shift, around every 10 years the shift doubles...
  5. R

    Convolution Calculation (piecewise function)

    Homework Statement Compute the convolution ##(f*h)(t)## where $$f(t) = \left\{\begin{matrix}1, \ \ for \ \ |t|<1 \\ 0, \ \ \ \ otherwise \end{matrix}\right.$$ and $$h(t) = \left\{\begin{matrix}2|t|-1, \ \ for \ \ |t|<1/2 \\ 0, \ \ \ \ otherwise \end{matrix}\right.$$ Homework Equations...
  6. A

    Calculation of Kinetic Energy in Rotation Motion

    Homework Statement Respected Physics Gurus/experts...! I am confused in the application of Kinetic energy Expression, i.e, KE = (1/2)MVCM2+(1/2)ICMω2 I had been trying out this question actually(it's pretty simple though:-p)...--- "A rigid body is made of three identical thin rods each of...
  7. CynicusRex

    I Monty Hall - Multiple solutions via direct calculation?

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monty_Hall_problem#Direct_calculation I understand the problem and why it is better to always switch. Now, I want to prove it by myself via a direct calculation. Before I start I wonder if the direct calculation on Wikipedia is the only solution or are there...
  8. M

    Diesel injector sac pressure calculation

    I am trying to calculate the nozzle sac pressure required to deliver 60mm3/ms of diesel fuel into a pressurised cylinder (19MPa). The nozzle has 5 delivery holes of diameter 0.157mm and the discharge co-efficient is 0.87. The sac diameter= 0.7 mm and the sac volume= 0.12mm3. I have tried to use...
  9. FL0R1

    A Integral calculation (Most Difficult Integral)

    Can anybody give me a solution for the integral of [(lnx)/(cosx)]dx?? I would be very gratefully even they do go in a way
  10. polygamma

    MHB Residue Calc: $\cot^n(z)$ at $z=0$

    Show that the residue of $\cot^{n}(z)$ at $z=0$ is $\sin \left( \frac{n \pi}{2}\right)$, $n \in \mathbb{N}$.
  11. C

    Troubleshooting Clutch Torque Calculation Errors for Scientists

    Hi, first time poster. I'm trying to calculate the clutch torque output using the following formula: torque = force (450KG ((pressure plate calculated force) x gyration radius ( 0.09 Metres (( square root of inner radius squared x outer radius squared divided by 2) x coefficient of friction (...
  12. x2017

    Projectile Motion calculation problem

    Homework Statement Homework Equations D=VΔt Vf=Vi+ayΔt Df=Di+VyΔt+(1/2)ayΔt2 The Attempt at a Solution I solved for d using 1/2ayΔt2 and got 10.30m (Solving for d is a question later on in this assignment and i checked it there and it is incorrect...) Then I used Df=Di+VyΔt+(1/2)ayΔt2 but...
  13. A

    Python Monte Carlo error calculation PYTHON

    I am using the monte carlo method to calculate the integral of cos^2(x). This is done using N random numbers. In my case I am doing it for 10^i random numbers when i ranges from 1-6. I want to calculate the error on the integral for each value of i used. I know for each value of N I want to...
  14. Bhavik Panchal

    Power calculation for Ribbon blender for dry cement mixing?

    density -1600 kg/m3 dia -1m lenght -2m material to mix - Dry cement mixing abt 2 tones please suggest me the power in hp...
  15. W

    Berry's Curvature Equation cross product calculation

    Hi, The following textbook Heisenberg's Quantum Mechanics shows an example of calculating Berry's curvature (top page on pg 518). It led to a following equation Vm= (- 1/B2 ) * i *∑ ( <m,B|S|n,B> ∧ <n,B|S|m,B> ) / A2 ...[1] the textbook claims that we add the term m = n since <m|S|m> ∧ <m|S|m>...
  16. Umrao

    Calculation of force due to electric dipole

    Homework Statement Two identical co-axial rings ,(radius R each) are kept separated by a small distance d, one of them carrying a charge +Q and the other a charge -Q. The charges are uniformly distributed over the respective rings. A point charge q is kept on the common axis of the rings, at a...
  17. 9

    Friction Calculation: Formula for Determining Wheel-Surface Friction

    How can we calculate the friction between the wheels and the surface in contact? I know that big wheels will have a greater friction, but what is the formula to calculate it?
  18. M

    Calculation on a water cooled compressor

    How can i calculate the water temperatur in step 3? Do i need more information? We can assume the water temperatur in step 2 is anything between 288 and 313K. If anyone knows how to calculate step 4, ill take that as well.
  19. verschrankung

    Schwarzschild radius calculation

    Is this the proper formula for calculating the Schwarzschild radius of a black hole? rs = 2GM / c2 If it is not, or if anyone has one that might work better, could you refer it to me?
  20. Telemachus

    How is the cohesive energy in a molecular solid calculated?

    When the calculation for the cohesive energy in a molecular solid is carried on, there appears a summation for the interaction of all the molecules or atoms in the solid, (see for example Kittel Introduction to solid state Physics 3rd edition, page 87). For noble gases, this interaction could be...
  21. MathematicalPhysicist

    Adding restrictive conditions to a limit calculation

    I have the following limit to calculate under the assumption that ##\Re(x+y)>1##: Limit[Integrate[ 1/((1 + t^2)^n*(1 + I*t)^x (1 - I*t)^y), {t, -Infinity, Infinity}], n -> Infinity] I want to add the above assumption for integral, how to do it? does it even converge? Thanks.
  22. M

    MHB Calculation of a surface integral

    Hey! :o I want to calculate the surface integral of $$F(x,y,z)=(0,0,z)$$ on the unit sphere with parametrization $$x=\sin u \cos v, \ y=\sin u \sin v , \ z=\cos u \\ 0\leq u\leq \pi, \ 0\leq v\leq 2\pi$$ with positive direction the direction of $T_u\times T_v$. Could you give some hints how...
  23. J

    Horizontal open channel flow -- Hydraulic jump calculation

    Dear Fellow Engineers I'm having an issues with my calculations. This case concerns a open channel flow that start off being supercritical on the left and turns into subcritical flow after a hydraulic jump. Given: Volume flow rate Q = 0.16m^3/s Width of the channel b = 1m Resulting...
  24. resurgance2001

    Nuclear decay of a small number of atoms calculation

    I came across a rather dubious question that a teacher had put in a power point. It said something like,"Given a sample of 100 atoms of isotope x, after one half life of the said isotope, how many atoms of the original isotope will be left?" My answer was that it was a trick question because...
  25. K

    Centripetal Velocity Calculation?

    I am wondering if someone can show me how to calculate the exit speed of an object if it is dropped into a container which is spinning at 5000 rpm and has a radius of 120mm. Let us assume the object weighs one gram. I am building a machine for wear testing. rock/water is supplied to the centre...
  26. Babatunde22

    Criticality calculation of an homogeneous finite reactor

    Please,I am working on the criticality calculation of an homogeneous finite cylindrical reactor core using four-group diffusion equations. I have been able to discretize the multigroup diffusion equations using the finite difference method(FED). But I am stocked on the iterative method to...
  27. T

    Phase Power Calculation: Determining Total Power Input into System

    Homework Statement I need to calculate the power for phase A, B, and C so that I can determine the total power into the system. I have measured the following data: VA magnitude = 117.7 [v] VA angle = 0° IA magnitude = 7.5 [A] IA angle = -25.5° VB magnitude = 117.7 [v] VB angle = -124.1° IB...
  28. S

    Can someone retrace this easy random walk calculation?

    Okay, it's not easy for me but probably for you ;) Hello first of all! I have two questions: 1. Why is there a minus before the expression in the red circle? 2. How did the x((n-1)-1) in the last line come to be?More precise: I understand the first parts. It's the random walk and x signifies...
  29. K

    Construction Materials Coursework: Stiffness Calculation Help

    Stuck on a question in my Construction Materials coursework. Not asking for anyone to solve it for me but would be grateful if someone could point me in the right direction: As far as i was aware, stiffness = force/deflection, data which is not obtainable in a hypothetical circumstance.
  30. Ioana Gherghel

    Water temperature calculation of glass facade

    Hello everybody I am an architecture student working on a facade system and because I do not have much physics knowledge I stumbled across a question I can't answer myself: If my facade is actually a thin parallelipiped glass tank filled with water, how do I measure the temperature changes of...
  31. R

    Astrophysics - Hour angle calculation

    Homework Statement At midnight (local time) on Dec 21st 2015, the Local Sidereal Time at Palomar Observatory, California, was 6h 27m. Palomar Observatory has latitude 33◦ 210 2100 N, and longitude 116deg 51arcmin 60arcsecW. a) What was the approximate Local Hour Angle of the Sun at 23:00 local...
  32. Sirsh

    Water Pressure Calculation (Limited Information)

    Is it possible to find the pressure of water that leaves a pipe of certain area/diameter given only the flow rate of the water itself? OR the requires piping diameter/area given the pressure that I desire. I'm trying to design a system that requires relatively high pressure (for spraying)...
  33. O

    Pressure calculation for compressible gas and variable 'g'

    I have what seems like a straight forward question, but am unable to find a formula. The question originates from my previous topic which was trolled: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/blowing-up-a-balloon-using-centrifugal-force.848892/ Basically I have a 1.5m hollow length of 10mm tube...
  34. D

    Need someone with engineering background to assist with statics calculation

    I am looking for someone with mechanical engineering background who can assist me in making some calculations. I have an aluminum tray that is connected to a tripod and that supports a laptop. I want to get a lighter and smaller aluminum tray that can accommodate a tablet, but I don't know...
  35. J

    Entropy of Liquid water Calculation.

    Homework Statement Calculate the ΔS° when 0.5 mole of liquid water at 0°C is mixed with 0.5 mole of liquid water at 100°C.Assume Cp=18cal/deg mole over the whole range of temperatures. Homework Equations ΔS=∫ Cp/T dT
  36. Q

    Calculating Uncertainty in Scientific Measurements

    Homework Statement [/B] a=12.26 +/- 0.08 b=0.25 +/- 0.05 e=1.2 +/- 0.2 Evaluate the uncertainty of following calculations Part 1. z= 5(ab/e) Part 2. p= 3e - b The Attempt at a Solution I attempted part 1 like this Δz/z = 5 (Δa/a + Δb/b + Δe/e) ... Calculated Δz to be 20 but the answer is...
  37. 5P@N

    Is my mass calculation method correct?

    Homework Statement I have an object of a known mass, and known dimension along one axis (length). Mass: 10 kg Length: 2 meters I wish to calculate what the mass of an object that is similarly constituted and shaped will be if it has a greatly expanded length of: 1,000 meters. I am seeking to...
  38. E

    Heat Transfer calculation for Tank and piping system

    Having difficulty remembering how to model a simple heat transfer equation for a liquid tank/piping system and wondering if anyone can provide some quick help. I have a 1000L tank of water that is heated by a 1kW heater (target temp of 43°C). The piping system (outside of the tank), holds 100L...
  39. S

    Calculation of Tensions on Strings that suspends an object

    Suppose an object of mass m is hung in a steady state by two strings. One string makes an angle 60 deg. at the point of contact with the object with the horizontal line. The other string makes 45 deg. To find the tensions in these strings (T1 and T2) we take all Horizontal Forces or their...
  40. C

    Calculate Azimuth of BC: Homework Help

    Homework Statement In the attachment. Need to calculate azimuth of BC. Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I don't understand why the azimuth of AB would be given as 126 degrees when it is almost a complete revolution of 360 degrees. I calculated the back azimuth which would be...
  41. Rumplestiltskin

    Velocity Calculation of Kicked Rugby Ball

    Homework Statement What is the velocity of a rugby ball 3.0s after it is kicked vertically upwards with a speed of 16m/s? Give your answer to 2 s.f. Homework Equations SUVAT The Attempt at a Solution s = ? u = 16 v = ? a = g = 9.8 t = 3 Erm... v = u + at? 16 + 9.8 x 3 = 45m/s. Incorrect, try...
  42. S

    Simple calculation of Compton scattering in string theory

    Hallo. So the other day I reviewed a bit of quantum field theory and went through the Compton scattering calculation. To no ones surprise it was fairly simpel if you have a nice list of identities for rewriting the base results from the Feynman diagrams. See for exaxmple section 5.3 in...
  43. Z

    How to Calculate Pump Shaft Torque from Flow Rate, RPM, and Diameter?

    Attempting to determine the torque on the shaft of a pump. Known values are flow rate, RPM, and shaft diameter. 1. What other values are needed to make the calculation? 2. What is the equation I can use for this?
  44. baby_1

    Aperture antenna directivity calculation

    Hello Here is an uniform E filed distribution aperture antenna E and H far filed euations and here is directivity calculation approach my problem is why don't we calculate D with both E(theta) and E(phi)? My mean is: instead of using we should use because both of them are not zero in...
  45. W

    Conical vortex regulators calculation?

    http://www.pjoes.com/pdf/19.4/749-756.pdf i would like to learn about the calculations formulas involve in this mechanism. Any notes or formulas with explanation on the calculations of pressure loss, volumentric velocity, velocity, ect. will be very much helpful. In the pdf of the given link...
  46. B

    TV antenna amplifier noise calculation

    Homework Statement Hello everyone. A 4-way TV antenna amplifier has the following specifications: Bandwidth = 40-862Mhz Gain = 20dB Noise figure = 6 dB Max output = 85dBuV Input impedance = output impedance = 75 ohm Question 1: Calculate the required voltage on the input of the amplifier to...
  47. writer

    I Time dilation time travel for novel - I need a calculation

    Hi! I've written a novel in which my main character travels through time (into the future) 18 years. While the concept of time travel is necessary to the plot, the details are not. Meaning, the book isn't sci-fi, but contains elements that wouldn't normally exist in a contemporary novel, so...
  48. A

    Bending of beams: calculation of stresses

    The cross-section of a cost-iron beam is shown in figure below, the loading being in the plane of the web, the upper portion of the section being in compression. If the maximum permissible stresses are 2000 kg/ cm2 in tension and 3000 kg/ cm2 in compression, find the moment of resistance of the...
  49. RJLiberator

    How Do You Calculate Seismic Moment for Major Earthquakes?

    Homework Statement The great Sumatra earthquake of late 2004 had a main shock with an M_w magnitude of 9.1 and a large aftershock in early 2005 had an M_w of 8.6. Calculate the seismic moment, M_o (energy release) of each earthquake. Homework Equations M_w = 2/3*log(M_o)-6.0 Where log = log...
  50. gracy

    Calculating the Radius of a Charged Spherical Water Drop

    Homework Statement A spherical drop of water carrying a charge of 3×10^-19 has a potential of 500V at its surface (with V=0 at infinity) (a) What is the radius of the drop? If two such drops of the same charge and radius combined to form a single drop, what is the potential at the surface of...
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