Calculations 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.

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. B

    Error Calculations: Calculating the Gradient & Error Propagation

    There isn't a problem question really, but I think this section is most appropriate since this is a question born out of my lab module. To calculate the gradient of a line of best fit for a set of data you can use the equation M = n \sumxy - \sumx\sumy / n\sumx2 - (\sumx)2 Where...
  2. T

    How Can I Calculate Flywheel Spin-Up Time for Various Mass and Shape Options?

    Hello! I've got a problem that I haven't the faintest clue how to go about. I have a flywheel, spinning on a motor's shaft. I want to be able to calculate the time it will take the flywheel to spin up to the motor's max RPM, based off of the variables: Motor's RPM Motor's Toque Flywheel's...
  3. J

    Are calculations copyright protected?

    Am I infringing copyright if I exactly reproduce the calculations in a paper on physics forums?
  4. M

    Projectile Blast Containment Calculations

    Hello all. I am working on a assignment in which I have to determine if a projectile traveling at a known velocity will break through a side of its containment room (assuming worst case senerios). I have been looking online and in my textbooks and have ended up confusing myself on what...
  5. D

    Calculate PSI of Hollow Cube with Hole Opened

    Suppose you have a hollow cube with a volume of 504c3. The inside of the cube has a psi of 94 and is just air. Now suppose that a hole opened in the bottom of this cube with an area of 12.56cm2 that leads to a hollow cylinder that is 14 cm long with a radius of 2cm. Now how would you go about...
  6. S

    From calculations to actual design.

    Hello I am trying to put together a system - think of it as a mini oven that reaches temperatures of no higher than about 75-80 degrees C but normally up to about 50 degrees. Initially, I'm trying to find out what power would be required to warm a space up to that temperature. I started...
  7. R

    Urgent: Need Help Checking Thevinin's Theorem Calculations

    I have to find current on part of a circuit using thevinins theroem with polar and rectangular coordinates. Circuit is attached Sorry - this is a large amount of working and I can't really type it all out. Nor can i type out a circuit diagram. Find attached the question as well as my...
  8. S

    Design calculations for my hybrid e-cycle

    i'm in the conceptual design stage of my e-cycle. my tech reqs : 1. it should have a max speed of atleast 40 kmph. 2. gross weight = 120 kg 3. min range 30 km. Please help me with the following design question. how to estimate the motor & battery power requirements ?
  9. H

    The physical pendulum - mass calculations

    When analysing the forces/energy transfers acting on a physical pendulum (albeit with a larger mass on the end, such as a grandfather clock...with a thick rod?) is it absolutely necessary to know the mass of the 'arm' (separate from the bob, as such)? Also, can the mass of the arm be calculated...
  10. S

    Intuition behind probability amplitude calculations?

    Why is the probability of a particle being at a certain location proportional to the square of of "the" amplitude? What does "the" in that sentence represent more specifically? Why are amplitudes complex numbers? Any intuition or clarification would be very appreciated. Thanks!
  11. J

    Question on Euler's method - Calculations using rounded numbers? HELP

    Homework Statement Taking step size h = 0.2, use Euler’s Method to determine y(1.6), given that dy/dx = ln(2y+x) ; y(1)=1.2 Record your results to 5 decimal places at each step. Homework Equations N/A The Attempt at a Solution My question is to do with the method, not the...
  12. siddharth23

    Calculations for LMP for certain RPM of hydraulic motor

    If I want the output of a hydraulic motor to be of a specific RPM, then knowing the pressure of the oil in the circuit, how does one calculate the LPM of the pump corresponding to that RPM?
  13. S

    Magnetic flux degaussing calculations.

    Hey guys. Ok so here goes. I want to know if there is a way to calculate the flux field degaussing effect of two magnets passing by each other in repelling configuration. Like south to south. Lets say I have two magnets of neodymium N52 grade. Rockwell C scale hardness of 46. Also let's...
  14. N

    Voltage Drop Calculation for Bus 2?

    Hi, This is not really homework but since it's homework style, I'll post it here and maybe benefit someone else. Homework Statement I need to calculate the final voltage on Bus 2 (labeled B2 in attached PDF). I am trying to do this using per units and my attempt is attached. The...
  15. G

    Mass of orbiting body calculations

    Ok, so I am tryting to calcualte the mass of an orbiting body. I am using M = 4 * PI^2 * r^3 / ( G * T^2 ) Lets use the Earth as an example. However I am not getting what Nasa has for answers of 5.9 E24 kg. http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/earthfact.html Using this...
  16. T

    Brushless DC Motor torque calculations?

    Hi there guys and girls I am new to this forum , so please have mercy. I am searching for equations to calculate the torque of a 3 phase brushless dc motor. Any info or textbooks on this maybe? Thanks Tommie Prinsloo
  17. M

    Line Integral Calculations: Understanding Direction and Parametrization

    Can someone tell me where my calculations are going wrong. I am integrating over C2: (Note Line integral over C1 and C3 are zero.) NOTE: The vector function f(x,y,z) that I am integrating over C2 is highlighted in red in the paint doc. The equation that I am using is: ∫[f (dot) unit...
  18. S

    Hippacros star catalogue - astrometric calculations

    I am figuring out what are fields in Hippacros star catalogue because I am working on my own space simulator program much like Celestia and Orbiter. That data file is very new to me for my programming. Does anyone recommend any good books that teach about Hippacros for astrometrics and...
  19. S

    CSP power plant efficiency calculations

    Hello, please I want to know how to calculate the overall efficiency of a concentrated solar power plant (CSP) which uses parabolic trough concentrator,so please if you can provide me with detailed information and calculation method. Thank you
  20. B

    Can you guys check these calculations for me

    Background Information: Clip Capacity of a Barret M82: 10 Rounds Mass of a .50 Cal Round: 46.7 grams = .0467 Kg Source: small arms by martin j. dougherty Average Muzzle Velocity of a Barret M82 .50 Cal Rifle: 853 m/s Average Specific heat capacity of normal human tissue: 3470 J/kg.C...
  21. N

    How to do hydrocyclone calculations in this assignment?

    I am a chemical engineering student and our lecturer gave us this assignment. I completed part two of the assignment but this is part one. Nobody in my class seems to know exactly what to do. It's hard to understand what exactly he is asking for. I can write the MATLAB code once I understand how...
  22. C

    Calculate Deflection at Point D with 245N Force Using Energy Method

    Hi to all. I need to calculate the deflection at D. At point D, there is a force of 245N acting on it. If I know the cross sectional areas of all beams, is it possible to use energy method to calculate the deflection?
  23. A

    Electric model Car design calculations help.

    Hello, I am needing help with some calculations for my project. I have to design an electric Car design and have to include some calculations. Given the maximum speed of the car is 2Meters per Second and the the mass of the car is 1.45kg: Calculate F And how do i calculate the torque at the...
  24. N

    Vectors delta velocity calculations

    Hello, Two waves originated from point A and point B, waves are 'velocity-direction-dependent', can be treated as 'vectors', it took t2 time for the wave from point B to reach A, and it took time t2 for the wave from point B to reach A. Given the fact the two vectors have the same...
  25. D

    Pore water pressure calculations

    Homework Statement A cross-section of a proposed excavation for a highway corridor is to be conducted in the proximity of a house built on shallow foundation. It is expected that the original groundwater table will drop to a permanent level as shown in the figure due to the excavation. (Please...
  26. D

    Help a College Student With Pipe Flow Calculations

    a newbie here so not sure if this is in the right place! i'm in the middle of a paper that I'm doing for college, investigating the effects of roughness on air flow. i set up 2 pipes, 1 rough and 1 smooth (800mm long, 36mm diameter), in a wind tunnel, measured the velocity of the air entering...
  27. F

    Blood Pressure taken at different heights (No calculations involved)

    Homework Statement When blood pressure is measured, why must the jacket be held at the level of the heart? I don't quite understand the answer given. The Attempt at a Solution It's obvious that if the the height changes the pressure reading will change due to P=ρgΔh, thus giving a...
  28. E

    What Is the Theoretical Yield of Geometric Isomers in This Lab Experiment?

    Homework Statement Calculate the theoretical yield of the isomers from your data. Note: Find the limiting reagent. List of Masses I obtained during lab: Maleic Anhydride (C4H2O3): 5.05g, molar mass=98.1g/mol Impure Fumaric Acid: 2.28g Pure Fumaric Acid(trans-C4H4O4): 1.45g Pure Maleic...
  29. B

    How Much Force is Needed to Ground a Flying Jet?

    I'm not sure this is the best forum but I'm trying to work out how to do the math for a problem - Imagine a small private jet of weigtht about 6000kg flying at about 850kph If a constant force was applied to the nose of the aircraft - how much force would it take to force it down to the...
  30. D

    Having trouble with Helmholtz Coil Experiment Calculations

    Homework Statement Number of wraps of coil on magnetic moment in field: 100 - N_c Number of wraps of coil on Helmholtz coil: 140 - N_h Current through magnetic moment: .796A - I_c Area of magnetic moment: .37m - A_c Radius of Helmholtz coil: .1635m - R_h Current through Helmholtz coil to...
  31. M

    What is the next step after finding the k-value in half-life calculations?

    Maybe this is a dumb question... Let's say I want to figure out the age of a rock and I have the half life of an element. If I have this equation y(t)=e^{kt} where first I figure out the k-value using the half life. That part I get. Now that I have the k-value I 're-use' the formula...
  32. P

    Find lengths of triange sides using trig calculations

    Homework Statement See attached image. Homework Equations Sine law Cosine law The Attempt at a Solution I'm really not sure what to do on this one. I know that the angle ABC and ACB will be the same, but after that I'm stumped. It's been a long time since I've taken a math course...
  33. L

    How to Calculate Mass in a Binary System with Given Orbital Period and Radius?

    Homework Statement See attachment. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Ok, so for Qd) my attempt was: d = vt = 75x10^3 * (2*2.8*86400*365) = 1.32x10^13 m, (circumference of orbit) because the star periodically shifts from red to blue shifted frequencies every 2.8...
  34. D

    Bolt screw shear strength calculations

    Hi guys, I have an electric motor that comes with a flange to be bolted on a plate horizontally so that the 4 screws carry the weight of the motor and the momentum it creates on them. Could you direct me to how to calculate if the given screws and nuts stand up to the load? Perhaps an example...
  35. D

    Misc. Home project - rotary table calculations

    Hi guys, I'm a mechanical engineering student and my dad want's a simplified motorized rotating table. I want to take it as a chance to implement my study in it, and I'm doing it all the way modeled on solidworks and animated. The calculation part is holding me back, there's a couple of things...
  36. K

    Truss - ned someone to look through my calculations.

    Homework Statement Original figure is here: http://tinypic.com/r/svrm39/6. The task is to calculate forces in N1, N2 and N5 with the correct sign.(+ or -) The Attempt at a Solution Figures and calculations attached. I fear it might be messy - especially when it comes to use of...
  37. S

    Interference pattern calculations for unequal slits per QM theory

    I am trying to understand how QM theory (wave-functions) are applied to Interference pattern calculations for unequal slits for a single particle double slit experiment case 1: both slits are equidistant from the "center", however one slit is bigger and the ratio of the width between the slits...
  38. J

    Calculating Back EMF: 200V DC Motor w/ 20A, 0.3Ω Resistance

    Homework Statement i have a 200v dc motor with 20A flowing through the armature with a resistance of 0.3Ω, how do i calculate the back emf? very confussed :( Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution
  39. S

    Physics Calculations That Apply to a Variety of Geometric Objects

    I had a serious problem when I read my first book on calculus-based physics when I came to the center of mass & moment of inertia sections of my books. I really freaked myself out over the fact that even restricting ourselves to the most common & ideal geometric objects the list of things you'd...
  40. J

    Problems about statics. Force and Moment calculations.

    Homework Statement I´ll use an image to show the problem that you can see as attached file. I need to calculate a force-couple system applied to the point C in red, equal to the force f0 applied to the point E. Homework Equations M=fd The Attempt at a Solution Well in these...
  41. P

    Wind Load Calculations for a 50ft x 14ft Patio Cover at a 6 Degree Pitch

    this falls into civil engineering, but as we all know everything boils back to physics. and, i couldn't find any good civil forums to join. so, i have a basic Q but need help understanding some things. 1) i am building patio cover approx 50ft long x 14ft off the house. it has a pitch...
  42. V

    Gearbox Calc Help: Final Year Project Guidance

    guys can anyone help me out to complete my final year project by guiding me for the calculation of gearbox
  43. M

    Least Empirical DFT Calculations for Diatomic Dissociations

    A somewhat strange request. I have come across this paper: http://jcp.aip.org/resource/1/jcpsa6/v98/i7/p5648_s1 It lists hybrid DFT results for dissociation calculations. I am looking for DFT calculations that are not as phenomenological, but can't seem to find any in the literature. Are...
  44. A

    What am I doing wrong in my calculations

    What is the distance the upper spring is extended from its unstretched length? Now, three masses m1 = 3.3 kg, m2 = 9.9 kg and m3 = 6.6 kg hang from three identical springs in a motionless elevator. The springs all have the same spring constant of 229.57N/m Now the elevator is moving downward...
  45. M

    Personal writing/math conventions when doing physics/math calculations?

    I believe this post is allowed here, but if it belongs elsewhere I apologize. I am now almost at the end of my undergraduate degree and looking back over my old work and old calculations from semesters prior made me realize that I have absolutely no consistent conventions when doing physics...
  46. I

    Transformer Radiator Design and Calculations

    Hey guys I'm BRAND SPANKING new to posting anything an any forum ever...this is a last resort at the end of much research, brainstorming and desperate googling... My problem: We've built a transformer tank to house the core and this will be filled with oil, a radiator was built as well...
  47. S

    Spin-dependent band gap calculations

    Dear colleagues, I am trying to deal with quantum-chemical calculations of metal-containing coordination polymers, and I have a question which turned out to be difficult to me: If a system includes copper atoms, which implies that it has 'unpaired' electron, how to describe a band gap in...
  48. T

    Order of calculations in a matrix problem.

    Homework Statement (A+2D)T Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I believe this would become AT+2DT. My only question then is, do I multiply the transpose of matrix D by 2, or multiply matrix D by two and then take the transpose? Thank you.
  49. L

    A few chemistry questions basically proportion calculations

    Homework Statement Chloroethane, reacts with Oxygen according to the equation below: 2C2H3Cl + 5O2 → 4CO2 + 2H2O +2HCl How many moles of CO2 are produced when 3.0 moles of choloroethane and 3 mol of O2 are...
  50. E

    Qubits and common calculations

    Qubits are mentioned for use for factorizing big numbers, for search engines, etc. But, what about common calculations as multiplications etc? Why they are not mentioned for this, are not appropriate or they are too less economic for use of this?
Back
Top