What is Formulas: Definition and 542 Discussions

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. I

    What Are the Correct Formulas and Units for These Physics Equations?

    Explanation of what is what in the formula and the unit in which they are in. The force between two charges. The centrifugal force between two rotating masses. The r * r in that equation is it the radie or the diameter? I mean the length. The mass of light. There are two versions...
  2. S

    Formulas for Copper (II) Chlorate

    What is the formula for copper (II) chlorate? a. CuClOsubscript 3 b. Cu(ClOsubscript 3) subscript 2 c. CuCl d. CuClsubscript 2 Please help if you don't mind.
  3. R

    Torsion Springs: Finding Formulas & Understanding Their Function

    Could someone please point me in the right direction for finding formulas dealing with torsion springs and also understanding more about how they work? Thanks Carla
  4. D

    LaTeX How can I incorporate LaTeX for printing formulas?

    What program do I have to use to incorperate Latex so I can print some formulas. Thanks.
  5. N

    Grade 12 Physics: Tension Formulas & Static Equilibrium

    I am in grade 12 doing level 3 Physics. For some reason i keep getting stuck on tension questions and static equilibriums Would anyone know the formulas for these (as my book really does not seem to be helping me) and where i can find some practice questions on the subject?
  6. T

    Geometric formulas of linear perspective

    10 years ago i tried (as an artist) to solve the problem of how to translate the 3 dimensional cartesian coordinate onto the 2 dimensional surface with the precise foreshortening. I've only ever figured out 3 formulas for 3 different standpoints... then i gave up. now i recollected my notes, and...
  7. P

    Deriving the Speed of Shallow Wave Formulas

    for shallow waves (where \lambda \leq 1/2 depth) in a tub, can anyone tell me why... speed\ of\ wave = \sqrt{gravity * depth} i mean, is there a way to get this formula by deriving from others?
  8. T

    Understanding Naming Ionic Formulas: Parentheses and Roman Numerals Explained

    Okay, I am so confused about how to determine whether or not you have to use the parenthesis with the Roman numeral. It is confusing me because some of the compounds that I have to write the name for, are ternary compounds, and I'm not sure which order they go in. :confused:
  9. T

    Formulas I have learned in my pre-AP physics class

    Here are all the formulas I have learned in my pre-AP physics class so far, I just finished the 1st semester: They are in no particular order. F_c = \frac {mv^2}{r} a_c = \frac {v^2}{r} F_F = \mu * F_N C = 2 * \pi * r V_f = V_i + at V_f^2 = V_i^2 + 2ad d = V_i * t + \frac...
  10. R

    Using Greek Letters in Forum Formulas

    when people write formulas in the forums that have different charecters like greek letter how do you write those in?
  11. J

    LaTeX Insert Latex formulas into the threads?

    hi there I am new here. Could some one tell me how to insert Latex formulas into the threads? About spin matrices: we get imanary no. in these matrices. Let's say we have S= n1.sx + n2.sy +n3.sz showing us the magnitude in each component (sx, sy, sz are the spin matrices/vectors). What...
  12. C

    How to Write Chemical Formulas Systematically?

    Hello Is there any systematic way to write chemical formulas? Any help would be greatly appreciated
  13. K

    Coefficient of friction formulas help

    A 52-N sled is pulled across a cement sidewalk at a constant speed. A horizontal force of 36 N is exerted. What is the coefficient of sliding friction between the sidewalk and the metal runners of the sled? What formulas would I use in this problem?
  14. C

    Understanding Chemical Formulas: How to Write Them for General Chemistry

    Hello I am currently enrolled in General Chem. We are learning how to write chemical formulas. Can someone please explain to me how you write a chemical formula given the name of the compound? Like for example, how would you write the chemical forumla for calcium hydrogen carbonate? Any...
  15. F

    Maximizing Efficiency: Rearranging Formulas for Quick Calculations

    can u just check if these questions are correct. a) P=W/t for t answer t=w/p b)e=IR+Ir for I ANSWER, I=R/e+r/e c) x=a/y for y ANSWER-y=a/x d)F=ma for a answer F/m=a
  16. E

    Physics HELP distances, velocity formulas

    :cry: well i need couple equations explained to me. such as the distances formula, and the velocity which I'm currentlyusing i really didn't understand what goes where m/s^2?, s?, m? and so on :cry:
  17. E

    General triangle rules and formulas?

    Hi guys I'm looking for a website where I can review basic triangle rules such as the formulas for right triangles... I would look at a geometry book but I don't have one. Its been a long time and I need some reviewing to do. I also wanted to ask if anyone knew about the group of triangles...
  18. W

    How Do I Rearrange Variables in Equations for Homework?

    Hello, the teacher gave us this assignment in which we had to separate some variables from equations. (example: E=mc^2 for m -> m=E/c^2). I had trouble with 4 of them (the ones in the attachment), I would appreciate some help, The procedure is really important since I want to learn how to solve...
  19. J

    How Do You Calculate Centrifugal Force in CNC Tools?

    I have a tool that is used in CNC metal cutting machines. This tool rotates and we have a machine that calculates the amount of immbalance. The known values are, rpm, amount of imbalance (gmm), diameter. I'm trying to find a formula that calculates the centrifugal force that is generated...
  20. N

    Formulas related to progressions

    I need all formulas related to progressions...AP,GP,HP...all the formulas to find the sum of these progressions..Please i need it immediately
  21. A

    LaTeX Typing formulas without latex.

    Let's say I have some simple formulas I want to type -maybe inline- and I don't want to go through the trouble of using latex. Let's say I just want to type mainly symbols that are on the keyboard + some greek letters and subscripts. How can I do this? I'll appreciate your suggestions.
  22. E

    Pulley & Belt Systems - Formulas & Tables

    Hi Can I Find A Complet Website ... Including All About ( PULLEY & BELT ) System ... I Mean - Formulas Of Finding : 1. Pulley Diameters . 2. Belt Length . 3. Center Distance Between 2 Pulleys . 4. Number Of Belts . 5. Other Designing Formulas And Calculations . Also Asking If I Can...
  23. H

    Organizing Physics Formulas for Assignment: Maximizing Marks

    i have a few formula for my physics assignment but i want to know the best way to set it out and what other formula i can use. i already have the formula f=m*a and a=(v-u)/t. i just really need the marks
  24. M

    I've created some new formulas in trigonometry (perhaps)

    Hi all, I'm a newbie here and sorry for my bad English. I want to share with you guys 2 formulas I've created luckily on a boring day: 1) Let R be circumscribed circle of triangle ABC, let S be it's area. We have: S=2R^2*sinAsinBsinC 2)Let S be area of triangle ABC, a=BC, b=CA, c=AB. We...
  25. JasonRox

    Inverse Trigonometric Formulas

    Someone has to help me here. 1. \int \frac{dx}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}} = sin^-1 x + C So the derivative of sin^-1x is \frac{dx}{\sqrt{1 - x^2}}? The -1 are exponents. It isn't working.
  26. M

    Physics Revision: Evaluating Questions & Finding Formulas

    I am doing some revision for physics and can't evaluate these questions, can anybody help or give a formula. Q1. A mass of 2.2 Kg is suspended from a spring of spring constant K = 25 Nm^-1 What is the initial extension? Q2. The mass (in Q1) is pulled down a further 5cm and released...
  27. D

    Formulas For Linear Functions. Can Anyone Me Understand This Problem?

    I am stuck. I've gone through all my notes to try and figure out how to do this problem, with no success. Any help would be appriciated. Thank you! An insurance salesperson earns an annual salary of $12,000 plus a commission equal to 3% of the premiums on all policies sold. If f(x) is a...
  28. R

    Where can I find comprehensive formulas for Celestial Mechanics?

    I was just wondering if anyone here , knows a good site (or a book) for general Formulas for Celestial Mechanics ? I have looked a little, But I only find one or two equations per site, and most of them are the same, So if you do know one that would be great
  29. J

    Electron Dot Diagram and Structural Formulas

    Hello, I was hoping someone here might be able to explain to me how to determine electron dot diagrams and structural formulas of diatomic/polyatomic elements and compounds. For example... Nitrogen Tri-iodide ( NI3 ) I know the basics of electron dot structures, but when the atoms start...
  30. M

    How to Determine the Molecular Formula of Oxyanions?

    This is going to seem like a very elementary question. Let's look at a phosphate ion for example. 1) How can I tell by looking at the name that it's an oxyanion? I know it's a polyatomic ion with phosporous. 2) Since it actually IS an oxyanion of phosphorous and oxygen, how do I know...
  31. A

    Mathematica Math Methods: Proving Equations & Formulas

    Mathematical Proof? Can anyone tell me how to prove things mathematically? I'm not sure you can because I'm convinced that proving equations and formulas is something that you just see how to do if you are intelligent (if that is the case, then I must be stupid). I have trouble with this in my...
  32. B

    Solve Molecular Formula of Silicon-Fluorine Compound

    Analysis of a newly discovered gaseous silicon-fluorine compound shows that it contains 33.01 mass % silicon. At 27oC 2.60g of the compound exerts a pressure of 1.50 atm in a 0.250-L vessel. What is the molecular formula of the compound? I guess PV=nRT needs to be used. P,V,R, and T are given...
  33. phoenixthoth

    Drug absorption/elimination formulas

    let A be the amount of a drug present t units of time after its administration. this amount could be in terms of drug concentration. the basic assumption i made was that the rate of change of A is the difference between the rate of absorption and the rate of elimination where the rate of...
  34. T

    Trigonometric Relation Formulas

    I know some of them, such as : cos (2x) = (cos x)^2 - (sin x)^2 sin (2x) = 2(cos x)(sin x) tan (2x) = (2tan (x))/(1-(tan x)^2) sin (a+b) = sin a cos b + cos a sin b cos (a+b) = cos a cos b - sin a sin b I need the other formulas such as sin x/2 cos x/2 sin x^2 cos x^2...
  35. C

    Projectile motion formulas help

    A projectile is fired with an intial speed of 113 m/s at an angle of 60 degrees above the horizonal from the top of a cliff 49.0 m high a) time to reach the max height b) max height above the base c) total time in the air d) horizonal range of the projectile I used the formula t^2 =...
  36. S

    Kepler's third law and multiple formulas

    Hi, I just got my physics test back and am hoping I can be helped with two questions. My instructor gave it back at the end of class leaving no time for going over it. 1) Suppose the period of the moon in its orbit about the Earth were 41.1 days and the moon were 768,000 km from earth...
  37. P

    How to write out formulas in MIcrosoft Word

    Hello, I was just curious as to how I can write formulas out in Microsoft Word. I am doing a lab report and want to make it look more professional by makeing the equations and calculations appear xactly like the ones in the book. If anyone has any advice it would be much appreaciated. Thanks.
  38. A

    Formulas and reasoning behind finding focal length

    hey can someone give me the formulas and resoning behind finding focal length, magnitude of radius curvature, and other optic stuff. Thank you.
  39. S

    Escape velocity and formulas for circular orbits

    In my class, we developed a list of formulas for circular orbits. One of them is E/m=1/2v2-GM/r=constant. To derive escape velocity we find for what v does E=0. But an orbit of this nature is certainly not circular! How can we apply the formula?
  40. BasketDaN

    AP Calculus BC Formulas - Get a Comprehensive List

    I despise taking notes in school, and never do, so I was wondering if anyone knew of an online list of all formulas relating to Calculus so I can just highlight the ones we're learning as we go along in school. (I'm taking AP Calculus BC) Thanks
  41. C

    How Can I Understand and Use Double-Angle Formulas in Trigonometry?

    For some reason, I cannot comprehend the concepts behind this. I read the example problems over and over; however, I still cannot understand the process when I go to study or do work on it. Just to refresh your minds, the double-angle formulas: sin2x = 2(sinx)(cosx) cos2x = cos^2x -...
  42. P

    How do I solve for X, D, and L in this basic equation?

    Basic equation: X/L = Wavelength/D if Wavelength = XD/L how do I solve for X, D , And L? Please Help
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