Formula Definition and 1000 Threads

In science, a formula is a concise way of expressing information symbolically, as in a mathematical formula or a chemical formula. The informal use of the term formula in science refers to the general construct of a relationship between given quantities.
The plural of formula can be either formulas (from the most common English plural noun form) or, under the influence of scientific Latin, formulae (from the original Latin).In mathematics, a formula generally refers to an identity which equates one mathematical expression to another, with the most important ones being mathematical theorems. Syntactically, a formula(often referred to as a well-formed formula) is an entity which is constructed using the symbols and formation rules of a given logical language. For example, determining the volume of a sphere requires a significant amount of integral calculus or its geometrical analogue, the method of exhaustion. However, having done this once in terms of some parameter (the radius for example), mathematicians have produced a formula to describe the volume of a sphere in terms of its radius:




V
=


4
3


π

r

3




{\displaystyle V={\frac {4}{3}}\pi r^{3}}
.Having obtained this result, the volume of any sphere can be computed as long as its radius is known. Here, notice that the volume V and the radius r are expressed as single letters instead of words or phrases. This convention, while less important in a relatively simple formula, means that mathematicians can more quickly manipulate formulas which are larger and more complex. Mathematical formulas are often algebraic, analytical or in closed form.In modern chemistry, a chemical formula is a way of expressing information about the proportions of atoms that constitute a particular chemical compound, using a single line of chemical element symbols, numbers, and sometimes other symbols, such as parentheses, brackets, and plus (+) and minus (−) signs. For example, H2O is the chemical formula for water, specifying that each molecule consists of two hydrogen (H) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom. Similarly, O−3 denotes an ozone molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms and a net negative charge.
In a general context, formulas are a manifestation of mathematical model to real world phenomena, and as such can be used to provide solution (or approximated solution) to real world problems, with some being more general than others. For example, the formula

F = mais an expression of Newton's second law, and is applicable to a wide range of physical situations. Other formulas, such as the use of the equation of a sine curve to model the movement of the tides in a bay, may be created to solve a particular problem. In all cases, however, formulas form the basis for calculations.
Expressions are distinct from formulas in that they cannot contain an equals sign (=). Expressions can be liken to phrases the same way formulas can be liken to grammatical sentences.

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  1. dUDEonAfORUM

    Thermodynamic problem and formula homework help

    An ideal gas at initial state has temperature 300 K has been compressed under constant pressure of 30 Pa from volume 3 cubic meters to 1.8 cubic meters. In the process 75 J of heat was lost. A. Find the change in internal energy B. Find the final temperature I tried two methods in A and they...
  2. P

    Understanding the Discrepancy in Power Calculation for a Moving Conveyor Belt

    Hi, everyone, this is my first time posting. I have a problem set that states "A machine at a packaging facility places stationary packages of mass m onto a horizontal conveyor belt that is moving packages steadily and horizontally at speed v. Once placed on the belt, the packages start moving...
  3. Kara386

    Show these wavelengths are consistent with Rydberg formula

    Homework Statement These wavelengths are emitted by a hot gas: 18.226, 13.501, 12.054 (in nanometres) Show that they are consistent with the Balmer series for a hydrogen-like atom. Which element do they correspond to? Homework Equations Rearranged Rydberg formula for hydrogen-like atoms...
  4. A

    Use iteration to guess an explicit formula

    Homework Statement Use iteration to guess an explicit formula for u_k = u_{k−2} * u_{k−1}, for all integers k ≥ 2, u_0 = u_1 = 2 and prove it . Homework Equations Hint: Express the answer using the Fibonacci sequence. The Attempt at a Solution u_k = u_{k−2} * u_{k−1} and u_0 = u_1 = 2, so...
  5. S

    Can you detect any formula here?

    I'm trying to figure out a basic formula from the below 1 -> 1 2 -> 1 3 -> 1 4 -> 2 5 -> 3 6 -> 4 7 -> 5 8 -> 7 9 -> 10 10 -> 14 11 -> 19 12 -> 26 13 -> 36 14 -> 50 15 -> 69 16 -> 86 17 -> 117 18 -> 167 19 -> 180 20 -> 238 21 -> 352 22 -> 319 23 -> 374 24 -> 625 25 -> 480 26 -> 505 27 -> 875 28...
  6. mr.tea

    How Does the Poisson Summation Formula Apply to Uniformly Convergent Series?

    Homework Statement let ##g## be a ##C^1## function such that the two series ##\sum_{-\infty}^{\infty} g(x+2n\pi)## and ##\sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty} g'(x+2n\pi)## are uniformly convergent in the interval ##0\leq x \leq 2\pi ##. Show the Poisson summation formula: ##\sum_{n=-\infty}^{\infty}...
  7. Twigg

    I Verify a Formula for Poynting Vector?

    Hi all, I derived a formula last night for the Poynting vector I have never seen before, and wanted some verification and perhaps insight on. I started with the definition for the Poynting vector in free space: $$\vec{S} = \frac{1}{\mu_{0}} \vec{E} \times \vec{B}$$ and substituted the...
  8. P

    I Is there any way to derive the time dilation formula?

    I've already read the derivation in which we use the light pulse clock kept in a spacecraft such that the light pulse follows a zig-zag motion due to motion of the spacecraft being perpendicular to motion of the light pulse. Then, we apply Pythagoras theorem to derive the formula. BUT this...
  9. F

    Formula For Calculating Output Power of a Turbine

    Good evening, This Conversation is in regards to questions i have of a project of mine. I am, in a sense, looking to make a generator of sorts, one that uses a magnetic tesla turbine in order to power an electric motor. Unfortunately, i am at a loss for what formula i would need to figure out...
  10. C

    Calculating Power and Amps for RC Heli Battery Charger and Generator

    Hi This i suspect is a very silly question. I have a battery charger for rc helis. The charger is supplied with 24Vdc via a pair of computer power supplies. The PSU's are supplied with 240Vac from the wall. I am trying to size up a generator so i can charge at the field. The charger has two...
  11. N

    Correct formula for induced voltage with a stationary coil?

    I'm making an AC generator with a stationary coil and rotating magnets. What would be the correct formula to find induced voltage at a certain rotation speed (along with the units)? All sources I've found are either non-applicable or do not explain what units to use. Thank you for the help.
  12. E

    I Why time in formula accelarion has exponent two

    hello folks, I am learning about how create a equation dimensional to formula Force (m*a). I know this formula written this way: [F]=[ma] where: m=mass a=acceleration -> L/T² The result is [F] = M * (L/T²) * L⁰ My result it's right? Why T, relative time, has exponent two in formula...
  13. I

    B Best fit curve associated with the combination formula

    Sorry if this is more of a HW question (if so then moderator please move my question. Thanks!) Hi, I'm trying to get an expression for a best fit curve of the combination formula (##_nC_r##). As far as I can tell, the curve is a simple parabolic curve, and its shape doesn't change. It's just...
  14. N

    Help rearranging a formula to solve for different variables

    Homework Statement [/B] I just got this formula from class : Q=mc(T2-T1) and got task to make 2 more formulas from this oneHomework Equations How do I make these formulas : T1=? and T2=? The Attempt at a Solution T2=Q:mc-T1 T1=-T1 T1=Q:mc+T2 Thanks for help
  15. radaway

    Formula to detect direct or inverse related values

    Homework Statement Hello All via the following x, y values , a formula needs to be decided for the 'Y ' variable. Basicaly Consider the table below for x and y (are they directly proportional or are they inversely related ? ). and also to find out the corresponding formula. Pl. see the...
  16. A

    How Is Economical Speed Calculated for Fuel Efficiency?

    This is my first writing in forum. And I'm not good at English... Please understand my poor writing. Resistance force : F=kv2 (N) Base puissance : P (W) Time : t Fuel-efficiency : e (m/J) Economical Speed is fuel-efficient speed for a car. (e is maximum) Energy for resistance force must be...
  17. T

    A Predicting Fermi Surface from Chemical Formula

    Hi, I was hoping I could get some things cleared up. Recently my Solid State professor mentioned that we could simply, from the chemical formula, predict where the band crossings are going to be. For example, take LaFeAsO. Since La has a valency of +3, Fe of +3, As of -3, and O of -2, he...
  18. D

    Explaining the Sine Formula to Acoustics Students

    I'm (a music academic) teaching a musical acoustics course to a very mixed group (music students, science students, and neither). Today, I covered the basic concept of simple harmonic motion and how this produces a sine wave pattern of motion over time. In the extra time we had left over, I...
  19. V

    A Understanding the Seesaw Formula Conventions in Neutrino Mass Derivations

    ok so this is a bit of a boring question, so sorry in advance, but for some reason I am struggling with this. I am deriving the seesaw formula. Now I have gone through the derivivate and I get A : ## m_{\nu} = - m_D^T M^{-1} m_D ## Now I have seen other derivations where they get B ...
  20. J

    MHB Compare volume formula to integration

    So I need to compare the results of the volume formula of a cylinder to the results of the integration. In geometry, you learn that the volume of a cylinder is given by V = πr2h, where r is the radius and h is the height of the cylinder. Use integration in cylindrical coordinates to confirm the...
  21. O

    I How to logically derive the total derivative formula?

    Consider this equation: f(x(t),y(t))=2(x(t))^2+x(t)y(t)+y(t) One way to calculate df/dt is directly using the chain rule: \frac{df}{dt}=4x(t)\frac{dx}{dt}+\frac{dx}{dt}y(t)+\frac{dy}{dt}x(t)+\frac{dy}{dt} \frac{df}{dt}=(4x(t)+y(t))\frac{dx}{dt}+(x(t)+1)\frac{dy}{dt} Another way is by using...
  22. 1

    B Reduce Math in Formula Algebraically: BestCost

    Is there a way to reduce the math in my formula algebraically: BestCost = lowest+((((highest+lowest)/2)-lowest)*0.6667); I want to use BestCost to filter out any Cost that is higher than 2/3 of the low range of the average. I hope that makes sense. Thanks
  23. T

    I Legendre polynomials and Rodrigues' formula

    Source: http://www.nbi.dk/~polesen/borel/node4.html#1 Differentiating this equation we get the second order differential eq. for fn, (1-x^2)f''_n-2(n-1)xf'_n+2nf_n=0 ....(22) But when I differentiate to 2nd order, I get this instead, (1-x^2)f''_n+2(n-1)xf'_n+2nf_n=0Applying General Leibniz...
  24. K

    Diesel Electric Locomotive formula

    What formulas do Diesel Electric Locomotive manufactures use when designing new Locomotives? Are there any good books on the subject? Locomotive meaning train engine. I want to understand freight engine designs not passenger. Thank you, Kevin
  25. P

    Taking the square of a formula

    Homework Statement Hi sorry if the titel is wrong I want to know if i can write this ##a^2 + u^2 -2au= (a-u)^2 = (u-a)^2## I get different results when integrating ##x^{-\frac{3}{2}}## in the range ##(a-u)^2## to ##(a+u)^2##
  26. PnPDollars

    ILSS Strength Formula: Uncovering the Math Behind It

    Hi all I'm trying to learn more about the tests i conduct at work. i do lots of short beam strength tests, we call them InterLaminar Shear Strength tests (ILSS). I have seen 2 different equations used to calculate strength. 3 * fail load / 4 * width * thickness 0.75 * fail load / width *...
  27. Clara Chung

    I Newton's formula for the sums of powers of roots?

    Please take a look of the photo. In the middle part, it says For each I, by division and gets the following results. Please further explain to me how to get the result by division. The photo is attached. Attempt: 1. Using f(x)=α0(x-α1)(x-α2)...(x-αn) form. If it is divided by x-αi , there...
  28. G Cooke

    Corona discharge current formula

    I'm trying to find a formula for the current flowing through a wire that is only undergoing corona discharge into air. The wire is connected to a charged sphere, which provides the voltage. So far, I've just found formulas for certain ionization coefficients and electric fields, but no current...
  29. J

    Equivalent Bending Moment due to Impact Formula?

    Hi guys and girls, I've been working on this problem for a little while now but I'm not really getting the result that I want. This is what I have: I have what is essentially a big pair of vice grips controlled by a hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder opens and closes both arms of the vice grips...
  30. S

    Stoichiometry: Identify the metal and formula of it

    Homework Statement All of the lanthanide metals (La through Lu) react with HCL to form compounds having eithe the formula MCl2, MCl3, MCl4, (where M represents the metallic element). Each metal forms a single compound. A chemist has a 0.250g sample of a lanthanide metal, and she wishes to...
  31. Y

    I Intuitively understand the curl formula?

    Ok, so I know the curl represents how much something rotates about an axis. Let's assume we have a vector field F = Fx + Fy + Fz, where x y and z are direction vectors. So the rotation about the Z axis is made possible by a change in the Y direction and a change in the X direction. But the...
  32. G

    Deriving the formula for a magnetic dipole field

    Hello PF! I am trying to find out how the formula for the magnetic field of a dipole magnet is derived, so far I've delved into maxwell equations, but I am finding the math too complicated to read. My state's education system is very far behind, and I am not accustomed to characters and symbols...
  33. F

    Why is this formula incorrect?

    Homework Statement The formula for calculating the area of a curve in a polar graph is $$\large \rm \frac{1}{2}\int r^2~ d\theta $$ and is adapted from $$\large \rm Area = \frac{1}{2}r^2\times \theta $$ But the formula to calculate the arc length is very different from $$\large \rm Length...
  34. C

    Why is P/A equal to 83kPA at an eccentricity ratio of 1?

    Homework Statement in this question , ( in second photo) i don't understand that why at eccentricity ratio = 1 , P/ A is 83kPA , why the vertical line is drawn at a point between 100 and 150 KL/r to find P/A ? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Is it wrong ? Or I left out something...
  35. A

    Fluid mechanics formula question

    1. Homework Statement See image. Homework Equations I thought that Fx=p*u1*A1(u1+u2)+(p1*a1)+(p2*a2) would be the correct formula however I cannot seem to get the stated answer of 1.8kN. The Attempt at a Solution Using the above formula, p1v1=p2v2 to find u2 and p1a1=p2a2 to find p2...
  36. RoboNerd

    Question on showing general formula of solution

    Homework Statement show that the general solution of the differential equation d^2/dt^2 + 2 *alpha * dr/dt + omega^2 * r = 0, where alpha and w are constant and R is a function of time "t" is R = e^(-alpha * t) * [ C1*sin( sqrt(omega^2 - alpha^2) * t) + C2*cos( sqrt(omega^2 - alpha^2) * t)...
  37. T

    Formula to calculate start up torque

    How to calculate the start up torque in inch pounds to start a plastic tube of 1.90" OD x 1.50" Id that has a shaft and ball bearings on each end. The shaft will be supported on each end, and will not rotate. The tube is horizontal. It would be similar to putting a conveyor roller in a frame...
  38. A

    Help with formula and explanation

    Good Morning / Afternoon, I'm looking at a question which has been given to me and I'm trying to find out what the answer / formula would be to it. The question is as follows: A student has been asked to move a box of mass 15 kg onto a shelf that is at a height 2 m above the ground level and...
  39. Clara Chung

    Please further explain this formula about voltage

    Homework Statement On the right bottom side ,when the switch is closed the equation is given V(EG)=+V+V(FG) The photo is attached Homework Equations Concept The Attempt at a Solution What is the difference between the back emf in the inductor and the p.d across the inductor? I think the...
  40. M

    Solve Campbell-Hausdorff Formula to Prove ei/h omega.L (x , p) e-i/h omega.L

    Homework Statement Hi, I am really struggling with this Campbell-Hausdorff formula. The question requires me to use it to prove ei/h omega.L (x , p) e-i/h omega.L = R(omega).(x, p) where L is the momentum operator, x and p are the position and momentum operator respectively and R(omega) is the...
  41. C

    Understanding the Formula of Power: Torque x Angular Velocity Explained

    Homework Statement i was told that Power = torque x (angular velocity) Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I found that power has unit of Nm/s, torque x (angular velocity) has unit of Nm(rad/s), is the formula given wrong?
  42. M

    MHB Euler's Formula - Moving Particle Argument of Tristan Needham .... ....

    Hi Peter, I am also currently reading Needham's book and am at a similar point as you. From my understanding, the "moving particle argument" is a heuristic way of visualizing and understanding Euler's formula, but it is not a rigorous proof. The idea is that as the particle moves along the...
  43. Math Amateur

    I Euler's Formula - Moving Particle Argument (Needham)

    I am reading Tristan Needham's book "Visual Complex Analysis" and am currently focussed on Chapter 1, Section II Euler's Formula ... in particular I am trying to follow Needham's heuristic argument in support of, or justifying, Euler's formula - Needham calls it 'the moving particle argument'...
  44. S

    MHB Applying quadratic formula to inverse of a function: Calculation problem

    Hi - I'm trying to figure out the specific steps in a math textbook. I'm trying to figure out how the textbook did its algebra here with a quadratic formula to find an inverse of a function: Sadly there's a step I'm supposed to know by now in the simplification algebra in there 3 steps...
  45. Miguel Velasquez

    Young's Modulus Formula / Steel Cable

    A steel cable 3.00 cm 2 in cross-sectional area has a mass of 2.40 kg per meter of length. If 500 m of the cable is hung over a vertical cliff, how much does the cable stretch under its own weight? Take Y steel ϭ 2.00 ϫ 10 11 N/m 2 .Y=([L][/o]F)/(A*delta_L) My attempt of solution...
  46. R

    [Linear Algebra] Closed formula for recursive sequence

    Homework Statement Homework Equations a) the one given b) det(A-λI) = 0 find λ values using A c)use λ values to find eigenvectors The Attempt at a Solution This wasn't explained well enough so I can understand it in class. So far, I made the matrix being multiplied to A have the following...
  47. C

    How Is Curvature Calculated Using Vector Functions?

    Homework Statement can someone explain how to turn the formula of curvature T'(t) / r'(t) into | r'(t) x r"(t) | / | (r't)^3 | ? Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution my working is in 317.jpgT'(t) / r'(t) <blockquote class="imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/q3t1U"><a...
  48. F

    The most beautiful formula of all

    I like to do a little survey and ask all who are interested: $$\text{What is the formula you regard as the most beautiful of all?}$$ In order to avoid everybody answer the same, please don't post one of the following: ##E = m \cdot c^2## ##E^2 = m^2c^4 + p^2c^2## ##e^{i\pi} + 1 = 0##
  49. B

    I Need formula for Spiral Orange Juice Can

    Hi there- I'm a graphic artist and work on a lot of "Spiral" cans. A good examples would be a Pillsbury Crescent roll can (after you whack it on the counter and unroll it). Or, a frozen Concentrate orange juice can unrolled. Anyway, I've created formulas in Excel to setup the page size that the...
  50. F

    Area of Moment Formula Homework

    Homework Statement i'm having problem of understanding the formula of area of moment of uniformly distributed load and uniformly varying load... the shape of graph for moment of uniformly distributed load and uniformly varying load.are similar,right...
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