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.

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  1. W

    Proportionality calculations (Coulombs Law)

    Two unlike charges attract each other with a force of 5 x 10^-5 when placed 12 cm apart. 1) What is the force between them when they are 4.0cm apart 2)At what distance apart will the force between them be 2.0 x 10^-4 now i have attempted these questions, but i cannot find a...
  2. humanino

    Calculating Static Potential with Lattice Calculations

    Hi, a few months ago, someone pointed me to an excellent primer on lattice calculations, available for free on arXiv. I was browsing and finding many results, so I was wondering if anybody had a good reference, including worked examples so one can readilly do such easy things as calculating...
  3. R

    Exploring Vacuum Energy Calculations

    Hey folks, Sometimes I see the calculation of the vacuum energy written as: \int\frac{d^3k}{(2\pi)^3}(k^2+m^2) and sometimes written: \int\frac{d^4k}{(2\pi)^4}log(k^2+m^2) See for example http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-ph/0105021 equation9. Does anyone know why you can increase the...
  4. J

    How Do You Calculate Shear Force and Bending Moments in Stub Axles?

    i have been set a question to draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the loading condition shown on the diagram, and am not quite sure how to do this... do i need to work out other forces along the diagram? and help...much appriciated thanks!
  5. L

    Solving Hydrogen Gas Problem: Ktr & Temp Calculations

    I need to solve this problem: A gas of 5.00 L hydrogen with temperature 300 K and pressure 1.013 x 10^5 Pa. The molar mass of Hydrogen is 2.016 g/mol. a) find the translatinal kinetic Ktr energy of the gass b) if the gass is contained in a container which is moving 300 m/s what is the...
  6. A

    Error calculations involving gradients

    I'm trying to work out the percentage error in working out the value of gravity,g, from a pendulums motion. i know that percentage error is (possible error/value used)*100 however I am using multiple values multiple times and its getting a little confusing. In the investigation g=k(∆T²/∆L), my...
  7. L

    Discrepancy in my calculations

    I am having a problem with some thermodynamics calculations. I am not very experienced with them and it certainly shows in my frustration with them! Anyway the check that I am using is incrementally simulated work compared to theoretical energy in. Example 31KJ in 133KJ mechanical work out. I...
  8. L

    Force Calculations: Fnormal, Fg, Ffriction, Fapplied - SOLVED

    [SOLVED] Force Calculations If an object is being pushed horizontally, does Fnormal always equal Fg? And Ffriction only equals Fapplied if it's at a constant velocity? I think that's how it goes, but I'm a little unsure. Thanks!
  9. A

    Calculating G-Force at A and B in 8'X4'X4' Box with 300Kg Weight

    According to the attached picture, is it theoretically possible to measure the G-Force pulled in A and B (taking that A and B are at respectively the very top and the very bottom of the box)? If it is possible, what would be the formula ( I don't want the answer, because it is all hypothetical...
  10. P

    Will Mixing CaCl2 and NaOH Solutions Form a Precipitate?

    Help please! Here's the question I'm having problems with: The solubility product of calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, is 7.9 x 10^-6 at 25 degrees celcius. Will a precipitate form when 100mL of 0.10 mol/L of CaCl2 solution and 50.0 mL of 0.070 mol/L of NaOH solution are combined? Do I...
  11. D

    Help Needed With Stress Calculations for Steel & Brass Rods

    I'm having problem knowing how to work out this question, can anyone point me in the correct direction. Question 14mm diameter steel rod carries a load of 3.08kN in tension. calculate the stress.? I ended up with this: Stress = Force/Area. Stress = 3.08/154 = Answer = 0.02N/mm² if...
  12. H

    Converging your DFT calculations

    any CASTEP users or DFT planewave-pseudopotential method users out there? how do I ensure that the basis set is adequate? I'm performing calculations with a rather large unit cell ( orthorhombic, 8 atoms/cell) of a compound AB. Can I justify my choice of energy-cutoff by testing...
  13. C

    What is the difference between burnup and depletion calculations?

    What is the difference between burnup calculations and depletion calculations?
  14. I

    Satellite Right Acension and Declination Calculations

    Hi Everyone... I really want to be able to calculate the RA/DEC of a Satellite from TLE data. For example, the International Space Station (ISS) Can anyone help to point me in the direction of where to find the claculations I need to perform this conversion from TLE data to RA/DEC? I...
  15. L

    Need calculations for wall climbing RC car

    I am trying to imitate the Airhog zero gravity climber one of these http://www.gmhummer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111 can someone please help me regarding derieving equations for the suction pressure required and regarding selection of motors for driving suction fans. the toy...
  16. N

    Calculate pH of Buffer CH_3COOH & CH_3COONa

    Homework Statement Buffer solution : CH_3COOH (55 mL) + CH_3COONa (45 mL) Ka (CH_3COOH) = 1.76 x 10^-5 Calculate the expected pH of your buffer solution after it has been dilted by making 10 mL of buffer up to 100 mL with deionized water. Homework Equations Ice charts n= c x v c= n/v...
  17. C

    AirFlow Calculations/ Anemometer anyone?

    AirFlow Calculations/ Anemometer anyone?? Hello all, I am trying to solve a problem with my anemometer. I am not sure if there is anyone here that has used one but here goes. My purpose is to calculate CFM of a particular AIR INTAKE of my truck. The problems lies in that CFM= Air Velocity...
  18. H

    Possible positions of object in magnified concave mirror?

    Homework Statement An object is magnified, by a factor; of 5, in a concave mirror. The mirror has a focal length of 20cm. Calculate ALL possible positions of the object. Homework Equations M=Hi/Ho=Di/Do M=V/U 1/F=1/V+1/U The Attempt at a Solution 1/20=1/V + 1/U -1U=20V/V U=-20...
  19. H

    Can F-Test Confirm Equal Variances in Radioactive Zones?

    Hi Homework Statement I have been on some statistics and I am not sure that I am on the right track Given two meassurement zones of radioactive vast: \left(\begin{array}{cc} zone 1 & zone 2 \\ 55 & 55 \\ 44 & 24 \\ 47 & 57 \\ 61 & 37 \\ 15 & 51 \\ 36 & 33 \\ 29 & 39 \\ 69 & 11 \\ 8 & 42 \\...
  20. A

    Power Calculation for Mechanical Component Drives

    Dear all I need to fix motor capacity for general mechanical components drive apllications These type of calculation sites if available pl send me the details I cannot find that ones Any reference books pl.forward me (I referred shigley.general mechanical design books but i can't...
  21. M

    Solving Complex Impedance Calculations: Step-by-Step Guide

    I have trouble figuring out how my textbook came up with the totals and am looking for step by step help. Here is what the text shows. Z = R + j0 = R = 56 Ohm (in rectangular form [XL = 0]) Z = R < 0 degrees = 56 < 0 degrees Ohm (in polar form) Z = 0 + jXL = j100 Ohm (in rectangular form...
  22. C

    Bearing Load Calculation - Get Assistance Now

    HI all, I am interested in designing a tapered bearing. Can anyone please let me know the parameters to be considered in order to design. I have been given a load acting on the sleeve, and the arae available to fit the bearing. If any useful site which talks about bearing and its...
  23. C

    Good computer for running electronic structure calculations?

    Hi- We're thinking of purchasing Gaussian 03 for electronic structure calculations. I think the basic license only allows for it to be run on a single processor. Can anyone recommend a decent desktop <1500 dollars that will do a decent job at running electronic-structure? I suspect that...
  24. E

    Back of envelope calculations for thurst, specific impulse, etc.

    "Back of envelope calculations" for thurst, specific impulse, etc. I am working on a project that is really out of my realm of experience, so if you could give me some basics, that would be much appreciated. How do you determine the amount of thrust, power, etc. needed to travel a distance of...
  25. B

    Chemistry Moles of LiH & LiAlH4: Calculations and Solutions

    Homework Statement *How many moles of LiH are required to make 1 mole of LiAlH4? * 6 moles of LiH will produce how many moles of LiAlH4? Can someone help me get started on these?
  26. S

    Ancient calculations and observations

    Would anyone help me understand how did the ancient Greeks managed to calculate the earth’s circumference using knowledge of the angle of elevation of the Sun. I wonder if they had any means of magnification such as lens. They did make some pretty accurate conclusions for the limited technology...
  27. M

    Spectral line width calculations

    So I'm in an intro quantum physics course, and while I'm sure this is a really simple problem, I'm just not getting the math to work out here. Say you excite the atoms of some gas such that they emit light at a wavelength of 5500 angstroms as they fall back to the ground state. Now if the...
  28. C

    Quick Calculations by Shi Fengshou in English?

    "Quick Calculations" by Shi Fengshou in English? I'm looking for an English manual to "Shi Fengshou Rapid Calculations." Apparently the guy wrote a book in Chinese sometime between 1970 and 1980 called "Quick Calculations." However, I haven't been able to find an English translation of it. I...
  29. Q

    Electric Field in Dielectric: Charge Distribution & Calculations

    Two identical, oppositely-charged, conducting plates of area 2.50cm² are separated by a dielectric 1.80 mm thick, with a dielectric constant of 3.60. The resultant electric field in the dielectric is 1.2*10^6 V/m. a)Compute the charge per unit area on the conducting plate. b)Compute the...
  30. U

    Calculations in developing an Electrostatic Series

    Homework Statement Lab: rub each of a set of hard materials against a set of soft materials. Hold the hard materials near a suspended, negatively charged comb (wool rubbed) to determine the charge polarity and strength on the hard item. Create a list of the hard and soft items used in order...
  31. L

    Solve Orbit Calculations Homework: Find Altitude 30 min After Perigee Passage

    Homework Statement The given data is the perigee altitude r_p, the apogee altitude r_a and the period T. Mission: find the altitude 30 min after perigee passage. Homework Equations Semi-major axis a is calculated. Kepler's equation gives a relation for the eccentric anomaly E: E -...
  32. J

    How Can Beginners Start Computational Modeling in Heterogeneous Catalysis?

    I have been working on experimental heterogeneous catalysis for a couple of years, specifically with metal oxides. I would like to learn computational modeling on heterogeneous catalysis (e.g hydrogen abstraction on acetone). I actually have no background on computaional calculations. What...
  33. A

    Verify Thermochemistry answer (no calculations)

    I just want to make sure my logic is correct. Hot coffee in a vacuum flask (thermos) is an example of what type of sytem? Choices: Closed Open Isolated I thought it was closed system because the coffee is not interacting with the surroundings. But one of my classmates said he...
  34. I

    Free Fall Calculation: Accurate Distance in Seconds

    I'm a 3D artist and I'm making an animation that involves a free falling object. I know that, in a vacuum at least, an object will fall 32 feet during the first second; during the second second it'll fall 64 feet -- a total of 96 feet after only two seconds of free falling. The problem is that...
  35. ~christina~

    Atwood Machine Lab calculations

    Homework Statement My results are coming out funny and I was wondering if I was doing something wrong. I have to find acceleration due to gravity. one of my values ... m2 (decending mass) = 60g m1(ascending mass)= 50g distance traveled= 95.3cm or .953m time traveled average=...
  36. T

    3D Vector Calculations: A Beginner's Guide

    Homework Statement http://www.tunerspec.ca/school/3dvector.jpg Homework Equations c^{2} = a^{2} + b^{2} - 2ab \times cos \alpha \frac{sin a}{a} = \frac{sin b}{b} The Attempt at a Solution I really don't know where to get started... I don't want someone to just do it for me - just...
  37. S

    Solving Rocket Motion: Initial and Final Mass Calculations

    Homework Statement A rocket on its launch pad has a mass of 20,000kg. The engine fires at t=0s and produces a constant force of 500,000 N straight up. The engines fire for 1 minute during which the entire 10,000kg of fuel on poard is consumed and expelled from the rocket at a constant rate...
  38. C

    E-Field Calc: Hollow Cylinder E-Fields

    Can a hollow cylinder of known radius, height and charge be treated as a line of charge if one is trying to find the E-field at an arbitrary perpendicular distance from the center of the flat surface?
  39. R

    Understanding Axial Strain Calculations

    Hi all, I have a problem with respect to axial strain.As far as I know the axial strain is calculated by using the formula given below. Strain=(L-Lo)/Lo where Lo : Orginal length and L : current length. However, another formula is written in one of the program manuals I have been...
  40. M

    Power Plant Efficiency & Heat Dissipation Calculations

    [SOLVED] Power plant Hi! Here i have a problem : A power plant generates 400 MW of electric power.It has an effieciency of 40%. a) At what rate does it dissipate heat? b)If the waste heat is carried away by a river, and the temperature rise of the river must not exceed 3°C, what flow rate is...
  41. D

    Yr 11 Trebuchet Project Calculations

    Homework Statement I have a physics project in which I need to find a relationship between the distances from each side of the throwing arm of a trebuchet and the actual throwing distances. Let's call the distance from the counter-weight side of the throwing arm to the axle variable 'A'...
  42. G

    Intensity, Radius (Calculations)

    Homework Statement A point source of sound emits energy equally in all directions at a constant rate and a person 8m from the source listens. After a while, the intensity of the source is halved. If the person wishes the sound to be seem as loud as before, how far should he be now...
  43. W

    Film Winder Force and Torque Calculations

    This is an actual real-life problem. There is a machine that winds film at my work. I need to determine the torque required (T_2) and force needed (N) for the conditions showed in my diagram when all variables except F_T2 are known. Roll #2 begins with no film and ends as a large roll with...
  44. S

    Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution Calculations

    Dear Physics Forums members, The Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution curves (obtained by calculation) allow one to statistically calculate the distribution of energies of molecules among a solution or mixture. My question relates strongly to Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, however the...
  45. O

    QED Calculations: Progress Made in Last 25-30 Years

    I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this topic, so apologies if I got it wrong. I've been reading the Feynman Lectures on Physics. In it, Feynman states that though Quantum Electrodynamics is highly successful, it is still extremely difficult to evaluate the equations to obtain a...
  46. F

    ADXL103 Calculation: Get Equation for Tilt Angle into MPU

    Dear experts, I'm trying to get an equation for tilt angle into a MPU. This is no problem if you can find the equation. The ADXL103 data sheet is indeed mysterious in that it is about a chip that measures acceleration. and yet gives no formula for the relation between...
  47. J

    Solving Calculations Involving Azides and Sodium Hydroxide

    Hello people...could u help me pls...coz i am rly stuck in these thing like calculations...i know all right answers but i am not too sure how to get them...please if somebody of us has a few minutes could u help me with that? Thank you very much. Azides are compounds of nitrogen , used...
  48. D

    How Do Scale Calculations Affect RC Car Physics?

    Hello All, I'm doing some fun at home experiments with my 1:6 scale RC car and I wanted do some camparisons with its full scale counter part. Mainly how jumping the two off a ramp (Duke's of Hazzard style). I wanted to know if you can help me with confirming some of my scaling...
  49. M

    Someone please explain why/how unit vectors help in vector calculations?

    What is the benefit of using unit vectors rather than not using them?? I am not seeing the point of them? It seems to me that you can do the same calcs without adding the ihat and jhat. Can someone explain exacly how and why unit vectors make vector calcs easier, or why we need them. Thanks...
  50. M

    Does force of impact increase when an object is dropped from a height?

    I am in the middle of physics debate with someone who has some rather, shall we say, unconventional views regarding classic mechanical physics. It started when he posted that he feels 9/11 was a conspiracy because a section of a building falling does not increase the "load" (as he called it) on...
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