What is Calculations: Definition and 1000 Discussions

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. M

    Misc. Electromagnetic chuck ( with winding calculations)

    Alright the attached picture has the two physical layouts I'm considering for the chuck, however I'll admit that looking at the math involved to determine the construction of the individual magnets and a knowledge gap in how best to manipulate the construction of such a thing to have the...
  2. Bill McKay

    Maxwell's calculations on electromagnetism's speed = light speed

    I'm studying history of electromagnetism. Here is my question regarding Maxwell's classical brilliant work. I understand these constants (for now) And I understand this: And I understand this: But I need to understand how this math below gets us to the speed of light. I don't understand...
  3. W

    Retarded time calculations: Electrodynamics

    Homework Statement A positive charge ##q## is fired head-on at a distant positive charge ##Q## that is held stationary. It comes in at speed ##v_0## and comes to an instantaneous halt at distance ##r_f## away from Q. What is the amount of energy radiated due to acceleration in this time...
  4. M

    Chemistry Lab Titration curve calculations

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I don’t have a clue on how to do the calculations. I know the equivalency point is at the steepest part of the derivative graph. Please don’t say just figure it out, I truly need help. I haven’t learned titrations in lecture yet...
  5. Kevin_787

    Wind tunnel calculations (making my own)

    Hey guys, I'm not sure this is necessarily a physics question, so if it's not I'd appreciate it if someone could point me in the right direction; but here goes. I've been giving some thought to building a wind tunnel lately, I realize this won't be cheap on any large scale, but I just want to...
  6. K

    Understanding the Ionization of Salts

    Hello, I am a bit confused re. solubility calculations. Calculate the solubility of Pb(OH)2 at pH 10. Setting up the expression for Ksp: Ksp = [Pb2+][OH-]2 = 8* 10^-17 (Ksp value from SI chemical data) pOH = 14 - 10 = 4, i.e. [OH-] = 10-4. 8*10-17 = [Pb2+][OH-]2. Solving for [Pb2+] we get...
  7. S

    Gas Solubility in water - constants, and calculations

    I can measure O2, Co2, TGP, and temperature, Want to calculate the rest gases, so N2, and Ar in my water. There for i bulit up an axcel table. So i get to the point to calculate Bunsen contans on different Temperature. I have this calculation: ln(β)=exp(A1 + A2*(T/100) + A3*ln(T/100) +...
  8. C

    Double star mutual orbit calculations

    Homework Statement A tight pair of stars orbiting with circular paths at a distance a, the weight of the stars is the same: M1=M2=M What period T and frequency f is the pair circulating? Explain the results generally with G, M, a. Homework Equations Kepler's law M1+M2=a^3/T^2 The Attempt at a...
  9. P

    Calculations on a fireworks rocket?

    So I'll soon be writing an assigntment on the physics and chemistry behind firework rockets and that's why I'm here! I've already prepared for the chemistry part but when it comes to the physics part then I am a bit lost. Bare in mind that I'm supposed to learn something new (myself) and explain...
  10. M

    Need help in thermodynamics: Calculations for a thermal cycle

    Homework Statement how to know the maximum and minimum temperature for cycle in. Carnot thermal efficiency 60% heat transfer during isothermal expansion 40kj pressure is 5.6bar and volume is 0.3m^3 Homework Equations One kilogram of air as an ideal gas executes a Carnot power cycle having a...
  11. M

    Stability - calculations taken for granted in books

    Homework Statement [/B] (Solved. through the work on this post i found the mistakes) Most basic stability problems is introduced simply as a box with a load placed on its side. And you do the typical momentum calculation around the opposite edge. Most books/pdfs stops there. I have however...
  12. J

    Hill's law (muscle contraction speed) -- Calculations when lifting different weights

    Homework Statement https://imgur.com/a/OLPyMfK Homework Equations F=ma W=F*d W=T2 - T1The Attempt at a Solution For part A i figured it must be E because that is the only one that goes to 0 as the hit says. but nothing about this problem makes any sense to me. Where it says "You notice...
  13. Mads W

    Wood/Glass/Metal Help with the calculations: can a flat steel bar can hold this table?

    Hi everyone! Brand new here. I'm sorry if this isn't the right place to post this but I am terrible with math/calculating anything so I thought I would reach out and ask! No harm done, hopefully. I'm building an 8' x 3' x 2" live edge walnut slab table and am trying to create some steel legs...
  14. D

    MHB What is the total area of the doors and windows in the room?

    I am having trouble figuring out the answer to the following question, I am not sure how to get to my answer.Calculate the area of each wall, including any doors and windows (The room is rectangular in shape. The floor is 18 ft. 5 in long by 9 ft 6 in wide. All of the walls are 8 ft high. You...
  15. T

    Forces - Space Shuttle Takeoff Calculations

    Homework Statement [/B] The total mass of a space shuttle and its launch vehicle is M=2000t. a) What must be the minimum size of the thrust force, to make the rocket move? b) The actual thrust of the rocket is F=30MN. What is its acceleration in the beginning? c) Assume that a mass of a...
  16. K

    MHB Understanding Tensor Calculations: Exploring Equations 4.74 and 4.76

    Two questions have me a bit stumped. I am given: eqn 4.74 $J^{i}_{i'} J^{i'}_{j} =\delta^{i}_{j}$ and eqn 4.76 $J^{i'}_{i} J^{i}_{j'} =\delta^{i'}_{j'}$ Problem 47: Derive equation 4.76 from 4.74 by multiplying both sides by $J^j_{j'}$. I have gone in a bunch of circles but can't get...
  17. cookiemnstr510510

    Electric field sphere calculations with a hollow cavity using Gauss' law

    Homework Statement A spherical cavity is hollowed out of the interior of a neutral conducting sphere. At the center of the cavity is a point charge, of positive charge q. (picture attached) a)What is the total surface charge q(int) on the interior surface of the conductor (i.e., on the wall of...
  18. starstruck_

    Does Instantaneous Velocity Account for Launch Height in Kinematics?

    <Moderator's note: Split from another thread and thus no template.> I am working on my special relativity assignment right now, and it said to find the velocity of an object when it hits the ground. The height the object is launched at is > 0. Question: comparing that velocity to the...
  19. AlphaLibrae

    Subgiant lifespan Calculations

    Homework Statement Can you estimate how the time spend on the subgiant branch varies with mass? Quantify this by writing table displaying the lifespan of subgiants in years for a given initial solar mass (1 solar mass, 3, 5, 10, 25, 60). Homework Equations I was not provided a relevant...
  20. M

    I Fermi Energy Calculations About Non Parabolic Dispersions

    Greetings! It is easy to understand that for a free electron, we can easily define the energy state density, and by doing the integration of the State density* Fermi-Dirac distribution we will be able to figure out the chemical potential at zero kelvin, which is the Fermi-Energy. Hence, we can...
  21. E

    Calculations using Standard Deviation and Mean

    Homework Statement Homework Equations Chebyshev's Theorem: The percentage of observations that are within k standard deviations of the mean is at least 100(1 - (1/k2))% Chebyshev's Theorem is applicable to ANY data set, whether skewed or symmetrical. Empirical Rule: For a symmetrical...
  22. S

    Automotive Single Setting Torque Wrench with extension calculations

    All, I have been going back and forth in my head on if I should shorten my extension or increase it and I need a second opinion to straighten me out. PN: 5T-I-SET https://snaponindustrialbrands.com/DSN/wwwsnaponindustrialbrandscom/Content/PDF/Snap-on%20Industrial%20Brands%20CAT4%20113.pdf Its...
  23. C

    Beam Deflection Calculations

    Hello, I am looking for some advice on calculating the beam deflection on a setup described below. There is an "I Beam" sitting across the back of two lorry trailers with a uniformly distributed load in the middle of the beam. I am slightly confused as to what type of support this would be if...
  24. jonnybmac

    Understanding Beam Calculations for Engineers: Solving for Second Moment of Area

    <<moderator note, moved from a homework forum, hence the template.>> 1. Homework Statement I'm trying to work out what 2.29 is in an equation an engineer has used for what i believe is supposed to be the second moment of area. See photo for report. Homework Equations See screenshot photo...
  25. H

    Speed/acceleration calculations for an Electric motorcycle

    Good day all, This is my first post here, hope you all are able to help me out here. I am thinking about converting an old Suzuki GS500E from an internal combustion engine to an electric motor. At the moment I am having some difficulties with the physics side of things, I would like to...
  26. Q

    Impact and Detonation Calculations

    Can someone help me to calculate the approximate impact on the Earth (as in a mining explosion), of 1 ton of dynamite. And also the equivalent impact of say a 1 ton rock dropped from 10 meters. Trying to estimate this for writing purposes, I very roughly got: Impact of 1 ton of dynamite, Work...
  27. C

    Calculations for a capacitor charging from another capacitor

    Hi all, I'd appreciate help in calculating the voltages in the circuit shown. I thought it should be fairly straight forward, but it has me stumped. This is a sample-and-hold circuit for an ADC -- the switch is closed to charge the hold capacitor with the sample voltage and then opened to...
  28. T

    Cooling load calculations for hotel rooms

    When performing cooling load calculations of an hotel room, do I consider the toilet as part of the area being cooled as it is at negative pressure with respect to the room and cooled air will flow from the room into the toilet. Or should I perform and the load of the room separately and add...
  29. Kiwimaster76

    Calculations for a theoretical planet + a little biology

    So I'm attempting to write a scientifically accurate story and i need some help with the planets characteristics. I have a few things set up already and need some educated guesses and ideas for how the rest will work. So to start with what i have: Planet name: Remvale Radius:~8370 miles Gravity...
  30. A

    Voltage, Current, and Resistance Calculations

    Homework Statement I'm asked to find the voltage, current, and resistance through each resistor in the given circuit. Homework Equations Req for parallel = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ... Req for series = R1 + R2 + ... The Attempt at a Solution First, I want to find the total resistance in the circuit...
  31. Z

    A Solve GHY Boundary Term Problem for Calculations

    Hi everybody ! In one of my papers I need to add Gibbons-Hawking-York boundary term in order to calculate everything properly. I found a paper (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0370269316306530 ) in which authors included this term into the action. My problem is: I tried to...
  32. T

    Calculations based on Neutrons in a Gravitational field

    Hello everybody! I am TanX. I was reading about neutrons in a gravitational field, which was based on the Grenoble experiment ( Institute Laue - Langevin ) conducted in 2002. I have put a link down here to the research papers below ( Refer to page number 17 in the booklet for the important...
  33. N

    A Explicit examples of calculations of Chern classes

    Hello, I would like to find explicit calculations of Chern classes on various bundles. I mean examples where the steps are worked out explicitly, in terms of explicit connections. I have only found abstract and non explicit "examples". I only really understand things when I can work out...
  34. H

    Need help with shredder calculations -- Plastic bottle shredder forces....

    this is my design i want to calculate its various stress and forces. since the bottle is being cut, i think there is perpendicular force upwards, how do i calculate this cutting shear force? 1) force and stress applied by cutting blade on the plastic bottle 2) force moment and stress...
  35. B

    A Recovering Wavefunction in Periodic Ab Initio Calculations

    In ab initio calculations for periodic systems, only an irreducible K grid is used for calculation, and consequently only those K points have their wavefunction calculated. My question is, how to recover wavefunction at other K points not included in the irreducible K grid? Similar questions to...
  36. P

    I want to learn how to do burn up calculations for reactor

    Please I need a guide on how to do burn up calculations for spent fuel from the basics.I have being studying on it but I need a guide
  37. T

    What does power have to do with the speed calculations of a Train?

    Hi there again, I have been wondering why train simulators(and trains themself) have a kW specification, AND a maximum force indication. If I would calculate the speed of a train using some formula, then where is the power value used for? Does it have something to do? Or is only the maximum...
  38. C

    Weights and interpolation -- Replicating Python code with hand calculations

    Hello everyone. I have a Python code which calculates, given a continuos uniform random variable U(-1,1), the order of a interpolation polynomial and a set of points the evolution of a function of this random variable. i.e. v0 = cp.Uniform(-1,1) t = np.linspace(0, 10, 10) order=1 . . . plt.plot...
  39. Meeeessttteeehh

    Energy calculations for a skier on a hill

    Homework Statement A skier with a mass of 45 kg is standing at the top of a 45 m hill. · Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the skier when she is standing at the top of the hill · Calculate the kinetic energy of this skier at the bottom of the hill, where she has a...
  40. ThMihov

    Some guidance about heating calculations (homemade heat-pump)

    Hi all In general I'm experimenting with an old split air conditioner which i would turn into some kind of homemade heat-pump.The basic idea is to replace the indoor unit with some kind of heat exchanger so the AC heats up water instead of air ,which in turn circulates over radiators in...
  41. SemM

    I Non-Hermitian wavefunctions and their solutions

    I was wondering if anyone has worked with non-Hermitian wavefunctions, and know of an approach to derive real and trivial values for their observables using numerical calculations? Cheers
  42. B

    MHB Help in identifying why these two calculations have the same result?

    Hi All, This may not be the correct sub-forum in which to post this question and probably a very simple question, so I apologize in advance. I was analyzing some data for a project and noticed I was getting the same result from different calculations on the data-set and am very curious as to...
  43. D

    Field Strength Calculation for an RF Emitter at Varying Distances

    If an RF emitter is allowed to produce a field of 25uV/m @ 300 meters distance, how big will the field be at 3 meters? I'm guessing it's a hundred times stronger (2.5mV/m?) but does the 900 MHz frequency of the carrier come into play?
  44. T

    Magnetic field experiment confusion with error calculations

    Homework Statement I am having a issue with calulating my errors for this particular experiment the reason I will detail below. I have also print sceend in the section of my lab report to show the experimental setup etc. Lab Script So in the lab during the experiment the tesla meter...
  45. F

    MATLAB Symbolic calculations in MATLAB

    Hello Everyone, I am not sure of when to use symbolic calculation and symbolic function in Matlab. For instance, we can set the domain of a function x=1:10 and plot the function y= x.^3+3 numerically to plot a graph and calculate numerically the derivatives, etc. That said, I am not sure of...
  46. D

    Flight Mechanics - Range and Payload calculations

    Homework Statement Assume that m(fuel, climb) = 1300kg is the mass of fuel required for the climb to the cruising altitude of 10,000m, independently of the take-off weight. Assume that the distance covered during the climb is always 100km. Consider the typical payload-range diagram shown and...
  47. alphaj

    Percent yield crazy--help with calculations?

    Homework Statement Consider: 2 mol Reactant A (aq) + 3 mol Reactant B (aq) = 6 mol Product A (aq) + 1 mol Product B (s) You have 0.00075 L of a 0.0514M solution of Reactant A. In the lab, you combine it with 0.042 L of 0.0753M of Reactant B. You get a solid product and an aqueous product (a...
  48. S

    Acceleration and jerk calculations

    I’m trying to calculate the theoretical jerk and acceleration curve/distance/time for an elevator. I have the constant starting jerk set to 1m/s3, constant acceleration set to 1m/s2 and full speed set to 1m/s. Looking at Wikipedia about both, I can work out the figures about acceleration but I...
  49. A

    I Physics term for discussed example and calculations

    i thought of an example of a 2 system that would give anti torques for each other but i want to know how to properly calculate it and if there is a term for that kind of example: two manual treadmills placed infront of each other without any handles so nothing to grab on to. and for the...
  50. S

    Calculations prior to determining algorithm complexity order

    Hello to everyone who's reading this. The problem that I'm struggling with, and it's solution, are typed below.: Homework Statement PROBLEM STATEMENT: Assume an array [0, ... n - 1] of int, and assume the following code segment: for (int i = 0; i < n - 1; i++) if(a[i] > a[i+1])...
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