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. parazit

    Superscript Formula in Excel Function CONCATENATE

    Hello Master. I would like to ask a question about MS Excel and one of it's functions; CONCATENATE. I'm trying to write a huge number of reactions in the Excel as the following form : 12C (α,p) 15N So, since I have tons of reactions to organize according to the alphabetic order and isotopes...
  2. K

    How to rigorously motivate the following formula

    I have encountered the following formula a couple of times (always in a physics context, of course..) \int_{0}^\infty \frac{dt}{t}e^{-tx}=-\log x Formally one can "derive" this formula by noting that \log x=\int \frac{dx}{x}=\int dx \int_0^\infty dte^{-xt}=-\int_0^\infty \frac{dt}{t}e^{-xt} But...
  3. N

    Combining 4 Forces: What You Need to Prove Theory

    How i want to combine 4 physical forces in the universe into one equation like michio kaku do . What should i do and what i need ? how i want to prove my theory ? if succesfull how i want to show to the world ? Sorry I'm newbie
  4. A

    Proving Euler's Formula: A Rigorous Approach from First Principles

    Can someone point me to a good, rigorous proof of Euler's formula (e^(ix) = cos(x) + i*sin(x)), starting from the definitions of sin(x) and cos(x) using the triangle (sin(x) = Opposite / Hypotenuse, cos(x) = Adjacent / Hypotenuse) and the definition of e^x as either Bernoulli's number (from the...
  5. A

    Why does electric flux have 'cos θ' in its formula?

    Why does electric flux have 'cos θ' in its formula??
  6. A

    Where can i get more info on this formula? (trailer towing force)

    I need to use this formula for a physics prac (my dad an engineer told me it). F = Weight (normal) x friction coefficient x diatmer of axle)/diamter of wheel x4 cause the trailer has 4 wheels. Can anybody point me towards a source of info on it, in particular the derivation. I use it to...
  7. E

    Help simplifying this using Stirlings' Formula?

    Hey guys! So I'm self studying Daniel Schroeder's Intro to Thermal Physics and we're to use Stirlings Approximation to simplify the following (assume that BOTH q and N are large, but we don't have a relationship between q and N): \Omega \left( N,q\right) \approx \dfrac {\left( \dfrac {q+N}...
  8. andyrk

    Newton Leibnitz Formula for Evaluating Definite Integrals

    Lately, I have been trying really hard to understand the Newton Leibnitz Formula for evaluating Definite Integrals. It states that- If f(x) is continuous in [a,b] then \int_a^b f(x) dx = F(b) - F(a). But one thing that just doesn't make sense to me is that why should f(x) be continuous in...
  9. F

    General Formula for the Reciprocal of a Sum of Reciprocals

    I know that the reduced mass, μ, of an object is: \mu = \frac{1}{\frac{1}{m_1} + \frac{1}{m_2}} \mu = \frac{m_1 m_2}{ m_1 + m_2 } But is there a general formula (or a simplified expression) for finding the value of: \frac{1}{ \frac{1}{x_1} + \frac{1}{x_2} + ... + \frac{1}{x_n} } ? Thank you.
  10. akshaya

    Newton's gravitational formula wrong?

    Hi, According to Newton, F= (GM¹M₂)/r² Einstein proved that light bends around massive bodies, due to gravity. (because space bends around these bodies) Mass of light = zero, but its being affected by gravity. So, is Newton's equation not universal?
  11. A

    MHB Variable Pi Formula: Diameter (mm) Calculation

    variable pi formula Diameter (mm) = 0.0000003 : (pi of D - 3.1416 )^2 Pi of D is variable from 3.1416 to 3.1589...
  12. physicstudent15

    Understanding Subscripts and Calculations in Electric Field Equations

    When reviewing Electric field I had some confusion as to what the subscripts on [F][/0] and [q][/0] mean. Also what are we calculating here? I know its the electric field but what does this term mean?
  13. S

    MHB Need Sum of Formula [shortcut]

    hi guys. i have 2 questions, how do solve this problem with formula [shortcut] : please, see attachment file.. thanks for your helping.. susanto3311
  14. S

    MHB Summing Formula Problem [Again]

    hello expert.. how do make sum formula for this below problem (2 question) : please, see my attachment picture thanks in advance.. susanto3311
  15. D

    What is the correct formula for acceleration for SHM

    Homework Statement If the mass of a horizontal mass-spring oscillator undergoing SHM is 0.5kg and the force constant is 20N/cm, what is the maximum restoring force of the oscillator? And what is the maximum acceleration? (Time period is 6s and amplitude of oscillation is 12cm) Homework...
  16. J

    Potential dividers and the formula Vout = Vin * R2/(R1+R2)

    I believe that the formula Vout = Vin * R2/(R1+R2) is used to calculate how much voltage whatever is connected to Vout will be receiving. So if: Vin = 12V R1 = 10 ohms R2 = 5 ohms Then Vout should be getting 4 volts But if we then connect an appliance with a resistance of 2 ohms to Vout...
  17. Drakkith

    Finding Empirical Formula of Propenoic Acid

    Homework Statement [/B] Propenoic acid is a reactive organic liquid used in the manufacture of plastics, coatings, and adhesives. An unlabeled container is thought to contain this acid. A 0.2033-g sample is combusted in an apparatus such as that shown below. The gain in mass of the H2O absorber...
  18. Michael G

    Formula for force on mass over distance

    Okay have need of rebirth do dying brain cells (brain has gone to mush) If I wished to use and electromagnet to draw (F=force) on an object (M=mass) the distance of x/t What would I try to remember Or have I and just fergot the rules [ No I know it is forgot, but I'm retired now so it is fer...
  19. S

    Velocity/Acceleration relation w/ constants

    Homework Statement The velocity of a particle is related to its position by: v2 = w2 (A2 - x2) where w and A are constants. Show that the acceleration is given by: a=-w2x[/B]Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution a= v* dv/dt v=(A2w2-x2w2)1/2 dv/dt= 1/2 (A2w2-x2w2)-1/2 * -2xw2 v *...
  20. S

    Understanding the P(B|A) ≡ P(A ∩ B) / P(A) formula.

    Homework Statement My book says: "Let A and B be two events such that P(A) > 0. Denote by P(B|A) the probability of B given that A has occurred. Since A is known to have occurred, it becomes the new sample space replacing the original S. From this we are led to the definition P(B|A) ≡ P(A ∩...
  21. Jameson

    MHB Long formula looks bad - suggestions?

    I'm currently writing up a homework assignment on a Hidden Markov Model. This involves long strings of conditional probability formulas and lots of subscripts. Here is an example of one that I think is really hard to read. Any ideas how I can condense the spacing in the subscripts or make it...
  22. N

    Is Absolute Space and Time Really Absolute?

    Imagine two space ships each with thrusters that can accelerate them .1c or .3c almost instantly. The velocity addition formula indicates that if one spaceship applied the .1c thruster 3 times then if c is estimated to be 300,000,000 m/s the velocity of the ship after the accelerations the ship...
  23. M

    Interest Formula for Varying Time Units and Compoundings?

    For the formula A=A0(1+r/k)^(kt) does it only work if t is in years and k is how many times per year it is compounded?
  24. N

    How can the Sherman-Morrison formula simplify matrix inversion?

    Hi, I am trying to derive the Sherman-Morrison formula for the following expression: a*x*(b*AAH+I)-1*y, where a, b are non-negative scalar values. Also, vectors and matrices are represented by lowercase bold typeface and uppercase bold typeface letters, respectively. Also, (.)H and (.)-1 are...
  25. D

    Formula for Helmholtz Coil with a finite thickness?

    The formula for Helmholtz coil is given by mu*(0.8^1.5)*nI/R, where I is the current, n is te number of coil and R is the radius of the coil. Now assume the bunch of coils have a small 'thickness' w (so it looks like a hollow cylinder with a very small height), and the the two coils are...
  26. R

    How did we get the formula for torque?

    I know torque is defined as r x f , but how did we come to define it in this way? Sorry if question seems a bit noobish but i haven't been able to find the answer
  27. 22990atinesh

    Small confusion regarding logarithmic formula

    I've a small confusion about formula ##\log^3 n = \log \log \log n## or ##\log^3 n = (\log n)^3 ##
  28. E

    Integration of an acceleration formula involving vectors

    Homework Statement Suppose a constant force F acts on a particle of mass m initially at rest. (a) Integrate the formula for acceleration \vec{a} = \frac{\vec F}{\gamma m} - \frac{\vec v}{\gamma mc^2}(\vec F \cdot \vec v) where \gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}} to show that the speed...
  29. S

    MHB Finding the Inverse Function Formula for Rational Expressions

    One semester I was asked to find the inverse of $\,f(x) \:=\:\dfrac{3x - 5}{2x+1}$ Later, I had to find the inverse of $\,f(x) \:=\:\dfrac{2x+7}{4x-3}$ It occurred to me that a general formula would a handy tool. Especially since I planned to teach Mathematics and I might be teaching this very...
  30. Calpalned

    Deriving the formula for arc length of a polar function

    Homework Statement Derive ∫(dr/dθ)^2 + R^2 )^0.5 dθ Homework Equations x = Rcosθ y = Rsinθ The Attempt at a Solution Arc length is the change in rise over run, which can be found using Pythagorean's Theorem. Rise is dy/dθ while run is dx/dθ. The arc length is [(dy/dθ)^2 + (dx/dθ)^2 ]^1/2...
  31. T

    Biot-Savart non-textbook Equation -- B at point above a loop but off-axis

    I read everywhere about the formulas for calculating B at a point from a length of straight wire, or at a point from the centre of a closed loop. But what about at a point over a closed loop that wasn't the centre? Is there a simple calculation for that? Thanks
  32. Greg Bernhardt

    What are the essential physics formulas for studying?

    108 pages of physics formula goodness! Print off the pages you need and start studying!
  33. greasehoot

    Formula for the vibration rate of an atom?

    Just a general inquiry, and not for any personal gain and or theory, I would like to know if anyone has developed a formula for measuring the vibrational rate of an atom.
  34. aditya ver.2.0

    General Formula of benzene and diacetylene

    Is the General Formula of benzene and diacetylene the same?:nb):nb):nb)
  35. PWiz

    Electric Potential formula derivation?

    Okay so I'm using Coloumb's law and the defining equation of electric field strength to find a proof (for my own satisfaction) for the electric potential formula: V_A = \frac{PE_A}{q}= \frac{Q}{4πε_0r} (where A is the position configuration of a point charge q in an electric field) My derivation...
  36. E

    Rotation formula Complex numbers

    Homework Statement If arg(\frac{z-ω}{z-ω^2}) = 0, \ then\ prove \ that\ Re(z) = -1/2 Homework Equations ω and ω^2 are non-real cube roots of unity. The Attempt at a Solution arg(z-ω) = arg(z-ω^2) So, z-ω = k(z-w^2) Beyond that, I'm not sure how to proceed. Using the rotation formula may also...
  37. Ganesh Ujwal

    How was the formula for kinetic energy found?

    How was the formula for kinetic energy found, and who found it? My questions mostly concern the history of physics. Who found the formula for kinetic energy ##E_k =\frac{1}{2}mv^{2}## and how was this formula actually discovered? I've recently watched Leonard Susskind's lecture where he proves...
  38. K

    What are the formulas in this physics document and how can they be decoded?

    I was wondering if anyone could like explain these formulas listen in this document. Thanks http://teachers.ausd.net/devor/cprepp/Formulas/P1TestMTp.pdf -Kevin 11 Grade
  39. N

    Deriving the formula for sine waves

    Can anybody out there show me how the sine wave formula y=Acos(kx - ωt + φ_{0}) or y=Acos(kx + ωt + φ_{0}) is the direct solution of the wave equation \frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial t^2} = v^2 \frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial x^2} ? I mean I looked it over on the Internet but everybody keeps...
  40. H

    Do We Use Charge Sign in Electric Field Intensity Formula?

    Guys, when utilizing the electric field intensity formula ( Fe=qE), do we use the sign of the charge (q)? I think we do, but I remain confused!
  41. D

    MHB Problem using this formula both ways

    Okay, so I've messed about with this for a while now and I've found that the following formula works on how to get the speed. A car has covered 27 miles in 120 minutes. What is the speed it is traveling at? I add three zeros to the 27, making it 27,000. 120/27000 = 225. I then put a decimal...
  42. K

    MHB Finding Formula without using any trig functions

    Find a formula for g(x)= sin(arccos(4x-1)) without using any trigonometric functions. I have the answer key right in front of me, but i still get how to start it off or the steps in solving these kind of questions or how to do it at all :/ Thanks!
  43. laneschmidt

    Calculating Stopping Distance of Car: Formula & Var. Explanation

    This is a classic case of using the wrong formula for the question. My problem is that, using the given information, both formulas could've been used (to the best of my knowledge) 1. Homework Statement A car traveling at 22.4 m/s comes to a stop in 2.55 s. Determine the stopping distance of...
  44. D

    C/C++ Problem with the Haversine Formula in C++ Help

    Hello, I have the haversine function within my C++ program to calculate the distance between to points, the two tester points I have chosen are Swansea and Cardiff both located in Wales. Swansea lat = 51.622559, long = -3.934534 Cardiff lat = 51.475661, long = -3.174688 The problem I am having...
  45. P

    MHB Get a Detailed Proof of Stirling's Formula

    hey, can someone suggest where will a get a detailed proof of stirling's formula (related with gamma function). I read it from PRINCIPLES OF MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS Walter Rudin,but in it many shortcut steps are there, which is either beyond my knowledge, or i m not getting it.
  46. N

    Explanation of capacitance formula

    Hello, I am new to electronics and am having trouble understanding this formula for capacitance: Could someone please break this down into layman terms? Interestingly π appears? I'd like to understand why that exists in capacitance. Thank you all in advance!
  47. D

    How to Calculate Interest in a Variable Interest Account?

    Is there a simple formula to find the amount of money in an account given a situation like this... You deposit x into the account Each year you get interest Year one the interest is 1% Year two the interest is 2% Year three the interest if 3% and so on Is it possible to get a simple general...
  48. M

    Archived Problem 6 Vrms Formula: Mass in kg?

    On problem #6, when using the Vrms formula, does the mass have to be in kg because the constant used uses J, which is kg?
  49. grandpa2390

    The kinetic energy formula for lagrange doesnt make sense

    Homework Statement This is a real basic question I am sure. Maybe I just missed something. so in the book, t = the kinetic energy . only for a pendulum, they add kinetic energy of x dot squared, plus kinetic energy of y dot squared. Homework Equations T = 1/2 m v^2 a^2 + b^2 = c^2 The Attempt...
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