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. aatari

    Are These Condensed Structural Formulas for C7H16 Correct?

    Hi Guys, I attempted the question below and just need someone to have a look to make sure there are no mistakes. 1. Homework Statement Write condensed structural formulas and the names for three constitutional (i.e. structural) isomers with the molecular formula C7H16. Homework Equations...
  2. Newtons Apple

    I Why is ln(x) used for formulas?

    Hey folks...Ok so I have another question related to e and it's use in the natural log function, ln. I notice that the function ln() is used in things like the rocket equation, describing velocity of an object as it moves and uses fuel etc.. But glossing over that I'm just more curious as to why...
  3. Zouatine

    A Proving Bressen Formulas: Get the Demonstrations Here!

    Hello, we have studied lastly the formulas of bresses but we have not made the proofs of these formulas, I seek the demonstrations: , Excuse my English, thanks , I'm wainting for your answer
  4. A

    MHB Convert rise and run (slope) to degrees using simple formulas

    I'm looking for a little help here. I'm just a relatively regular Joe here though, so any complicated formulas are likely to go right over my head. What I'm trying to do is use the Ruby programming language to convert rise and run (slope) to degrees. See the attached screenshot... Assume x...
  5. K

    I What formulas would apply during a Big Crunch

    During a hypothesized big crunch, how quickly will a universe collapse? As the velocity approaches the speed of light, its mass will increase greatly. What equations will apply in such a collapse? Kurt Ludwig
  6. E

    MHB Use double or half angle formulas

    Ok, So with this problem it says to use double angle or half angle formula. I have the formulas in my notes just not sure how to apply them to the problem I feel like I should be using the double formula though. Here's the problem: cos(2*theta)+sin^2=0
  7. opus

    Determining the names of Ionic Compounds from their formulas

    Homework Statement Name the ionic compounds: a) ##K_2SO_4## b) ##Ba(OH)_2## c) ##FeCl_3## Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution These problems are actually in a sample exercise so I already have the answers, I just am really lost in this section of chemical nomenclature. First, at...
  8. entropy1

    Editor for tex formulas for a PF document

    Hello, If I want to publish a document with formulas on the site, which (offline) editor can I best use for that? I have OpenOffice, can that be used? Thanks.
  9. R

    Can I get my formulas recognized by top math professors and universities?

    i'm a self-taught indian mathematician, I've been making formulas since i was in 7th class, I've worked on real analysis topics like nested radicals, continued fractions, reimann zeta function ,nested integrals, etc . I've basic school level math education and now I'm being forced to study...
  10. opus

    Using Power Reducing Formulas to rewrite Trig Expressions

    Homework Statement Use the power reducing formulas to rewrite the expression that does not contain trigonometric functions of power greater than 1. Given expression: ##4sin^2xcos^2x## 2. Homework Equations Relevant Power-Reducing Formulas: ##sin^2x=\frac{1-cos2x}{2}##...
  11. T

    Where do I find coefficient values for these 2 formulas? (drag coefficients)

    Hi there, So I asked a question here how I would calculate the air drag and the wheel drag of a train and I got an answer that made me very happy. Unfortunately i don't know where i could find the coefficient values required for the formulas. So i am wondering if someone knows where i can find...
  12. P

    Conflict in formulas P = IR^2 and P=delta v/r

    P = IR^2 and P=delta v/r Did the first equation is Joules heating law, which shows that power increases with resistance. The 2nd equation which is given as an answer in my problem set states that a decrease in resistance increases power. The inconsistency is really bothering me. Help please
  13. A

    Single Slit and Diffraction Grating Formulas

    Hi everyone. I am having some difficulty understanding the formulas of single slit diffraction and diffraction gratings. This is partly because the formulas that I have been given in class do not reflect what I have found online entirely. As we know, the formula for single slit destructive...
  14. W

    Interference/Diffraction formulas

    Homework Statement So I'm trying to determine the slit separation of a 2-D grid (as I understanding it, basically a grid with a lot of parallel, equally spaced slits in the x and y directions). I know I have to use some form of the formula d*sin(theta) = m*lambda, and I'm having some trouble...
  15. M

    I Formulas describing fluid viscosity/compress-ability

    Sorry if this is to basic of a question. I'm trying to find a formula that will describe a viscous, but compressible fluid. This would just be a generic formula as a starting point. I'm trying to describe the variability of densities through this fluid. The closest thing I can find is a...
  16. A

    Rearranging Formulas: Fairly simple but I'm very stuck

    Homework Statement Change the subject of the equation to (g) Homework Equations T = 2π√l/g x^2 The Attempt at a Solution In my attempt I've divided both sides by 2π for T/2π = √l/g x^2 Then I decided to square both sides for (T/2π)^2 = l/g x^2 Now I'm really not sure if what I've done...
  17. A

    Other Does it matter if I forget the formulas?

    I forget the formulas I learned after a few weeks. I was wondering if it matters if I forget the formulas. Should I really have drilled the formulas into my head and remember how to do every single one?
  18. F

    Important formulas in college mechanics?

    what are the most important formulas in calculus based mechanics? maybe formulas that you are almost certain will be on one of the few tests given during the semester? I am asking because I am self studying right now before class starts and there seems to be A LOT of formulas. so I was wondering...
  19. L

    Rearranging acceleration formulas

    Homework Statement a=1.8m/s/s v/sf=7.6m/s u/si=? t=2.5s Find the initial speed[/B]Homework Equations a=v-u/t The Attempt at a Solution a=v-u/t 1.8=7.6-u/2.5 u=7.6+1.8/2.8 u=3.357... u=3.36m/s Is this correct? Sorry if the layout is messy this is my first time using it.
  20. M

    Dimensional formula of distances in certain formulas

    Homework Statement Dimensional formula for 'the square of the distance between two bodies' in universal gravitation and 'distance from the axis squared' in moment of inertia. Is L^2 is the dimensional formula for both the distances in the above two cases? Homework Equations F=Gm1m2/d^2; moment...
  21. E

    Which formulas are appropriate for calculating intensity?

    Homework Statement Monochromatic plane waves of wavelength 537nm are incident on two narrow slits and produce an interference pattern on a wall 3.1m away. The slits are spaced 26 micrometers apart and are 5.7 micrometers wide each. What is the ratio of intensity to that of the central fringe a...
  22. J6204

    Clarification of basic formulas

    Homework Statement I am beginning my preparations for an upcoming exam and am looking to clarify two different equations a) Write the equation for the magnetic moment of a current carrying loop b) Write the equation for torque on a current carrying loop in a magnetic field Homework...
  23. C

    I Deductions of Formulas for Energy

    So, I am a newbie in quantum mechanics, took modern physics last fall for my physics minor. I know that Schrodinger based his equation based on the equation K + V = E, by using non-relativistic kinematic energy (P2/2m + V = E) p becoming the operator p= -iħ∇ for the wave equation eigenfunction...
  24. D

    Some formulas (electromagnetism)

    dH=dl/dt dB=dl/dx dE/dB=-dx/dt dD=dl/dx dH/dD=-dx/dt H - magnetic field strength; B - magnetic flux density; E - irradiance; D - electric displacement field. Please, have a look at these equations. Are they correct? I can't grasp the idea. Any explanations? I need some intuitive understanding...
  25. S

    B Uses for formulas for sum and product of quadratic roots

    Are there practical uses for the formulas for the sum and product of quadratic roots? I have only seen the topic for these sum and product formulas in one section of any college algebra and intermediate algebra books, and then nothing more. I'm just curious if people, ... scientists or...
  26. C

    MHB Are the coordinates of the vertices of this triangle all integers?

    L1 [x,y]=[2,1]+r[-5,1] L2 [x,y]=[1,4]+s[2,1] L3 [x,y]=[3,5]+t[4,-5] These three lines are sides of a triangle find: 1)the perimeter of the triangle 2) The largest angle 3) the centroid of the triangle so I converted the vector equations into parametric, and then made two of the x parametric...
  27. Cocoleia

    Confusion with formulas for wavefunctions

    Homework Statement I am working on this problem: The formula I am given in my notes is: I found a website which explains this problem, and they give this formula: But then, their answer is: And I don't see how they went from sqrt(8) to 2 on the numerator. I am confused which formula to use...
  28. F

    Difference in formulas of magnetic force and magnetic flux

    The magnetic force is defined as ## \rm F_e = Bqvsin\theta## and the magentic flux is defined as## \rm \phi = BAcos\theta## My question is since we are multiplying the two vectors, why is ##sin\theta## used in one equation and ##cos\theta## in second given that ##\theta## is the angle between...
  29. Jason Louison

    Automotive Formulas For Engine Cylinder Perssure

    Hi! I am a new member to this great Forum! I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful community. Anyway, as the title suggests, I am looking for a way to calculate the pressure in each cylinder of any Four Stroke Engine at any given crank angle of Cylinder One. I have been trying creating a...
  30. T

    I Change of special relativity formulas?

    We know that while deriving the special theory of relativity formulas like Lorentz Transformation, Length contraction, Time dilation etc, we assume that there is an observer at each point of the space in a certain frame and all these observers contain synchronized clocks and scales. But what if...
  31. A

    I Deriving Frenet-Serret Formulas: Why -τᴿ?

    Hi, I'm trying to derive the Frenet Serret Formulas, but I am having trouble to understand why, after some checking, that the derivative of binormal vector is: \frac{d\hat{b}}{ds}=-\tau\hat{n} I understand that, \hat{t}\wedge\frac{d\hat{n}}{ds}\parallel\hat{n} and |\frac{d\hat{b}}{ds}|=\tau...
  32. R

    Stargazing Formulas for camera obscura (correct sub forum?)

    Experiment / demonstration: Set up military surplus command tent as camera obscura / pinhole projector for observation of full soar eclipse. Problem: lacking in personal knowledge of the formula needed to determine correct focal length to hole diameter Solution: Request assistance from actual...
  33. M

    MHB Formulas of predicate logic

    Hey! :o I want to formulate the following statements into formulas of predicate logic. If a bird cannot fly, then not all birds can fly. What Donald cannot do, can no one do. John likes everyone, that is older than $22$ years old and that doesn't like those who are younger than $22$...
  34. enerieire

    What Are the Differences Between These Vector Potential Formulas?

    I'm having some trouble with vector potential formulas. Ihave always used this one : A=(μ/4pi )*∫(J/r) dV, where r is a distance. I don't understand where this formulas comes from: 1) A=(1/cr)*∫JdV where c is the speed of light; 2) H=(1/cr) Ȧ where H is the magnetic field's vector. Can...
  35. C

    Centrifugal compressor with relief valve formulas

    Hi folks, I have a question regarding centrifugal compressors when a relief valve is included in the system. Allow me to explain... There is a centrifugal compressor supplying air to an aircraft engine. As altitude varies, the compressor provides enough pressure up to altitude "X" for the...
  36. J

    B Lorentz transformation formulas for arbitrary distances

    In my simulation of the twin paradox, i used the Lorentz transformation formulas to map events from one inertial reference frame into another IRF. Reading through various threads here, i read that spacetime is curved and that space can be considered flat only for small distances. So my...
  37. P

    B What's wrong with these formulas of standard deviation?

    I just looked up the standard deviation formula. I makes quite sense to me because we're actually trying to 'measure' how much all the observations deviate from the mean value. To do this, we calculate all the possible differences, [X(mean) - x(i)], then we square all the differences to get rid...
  38. gmax137

    LaTeX Finding Latex Equations and Formulas: Did We Lose the Search?

    There is (somewhere) a list of equations, formulas, etc. and the corresponding Latex to create them. Allowing one to cut & paste the Latex into posts or replies. Do you know where that list is now? I can't find it. In fact, I don't see the "Search" button anymore... Did we lose the Search...
  39. lsepolis123

    I Basically it's easy to solve the problems given recursive formulas (repost)

    see here https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/in-discrete-math-adv-counting-techniques-see-picture-h.882371/ somehow forum disabled comments so created new post: basically is easy to take the problems given recursive formula, find a, b, d, c and replace but how to the math for a^k g(n/b^j)...
  40. iTryToLearn

    Give the chemical formulas for four possible salts

    Lets say you were given an unknown which contains two salts, and your results give you evidence that potassium phosphate, ammonium, and carbonate ions are all present. What are four possible salts that could be your unknown?
  41. SamRoss

    I Proof of double angle formulas using Euler's equation

    Hi all, I'm slowly working through "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" by Mary Boas, which I highly recommend, and I'm stumped on one of the questions. The problem is to prove the double angle formulas sin (2Θ)=2sinΘcosΘ and cos(2Θ)=cos2Θ-sin2Θ by using Euler's formula (raised to...
  42. P

    Which formulas do I use to solve these pr

    I have been assigned several physics problems by my professor, but am not sure how to solve them due to my inexperience with physics (computer science major). It would obviously not help me if I asked somebody to solve all of the problems for me, but what I would like to know is what formulas I...
  43. J

    I Are the Lorentz transformation formulas on wikipedia correct?

    They seem to defy the most fundamental principle of SR. The first postulate/equivalence principle. According to wikipedia, we get Lorentz boost (x direction) and slightly different formulas for the inverse Lorentz boost "This "trick" of simply reversing the direction of relative velocity...
  44. Kirito123

    Making formulas and graphing them

    Homework Statement Individual tickets to the Mathtown Zoo cost $10 each. A Frequent Visit pass can be purchased for $60, and then each visit costs $5. a. Write an equation that models the cost of individual tickets, C, as it relates to the number of tickets purchased, n. b. Write an equation...
  45. R

    Calculating Magnetic Levitation Force for Maglev Train Prototype

    Homework Statement We are building a maglev train for an engineering physics project. We have a prototype that is going to work for us but we are struggling with the mathematics. We are using ceramic magnets that are 3/16in thick and 1/2 inch in diameter. One of our project partners has an...
  46. G

    Understanding Power Formulas; When to use Them

    There are three Formulas for Power, ( P=IV, P=I^2R, P=V^2/R). Can someone tell me when to use the right forumlas?
  47. B

    B Understanding Moving Object Formulas: F=ma, Ke=1/2mv2, and p=mv Explained

    I am a beginner. First post. My question regards 3 formulas that relate to moving objects and I don't understand their differences. F = ma. Ke = 1/2mv2. And, p = mv. They all relate to a mass that is moving. How do they differ?
  48. G

    I Solving complex formulas and higher order polynomials

    How would you go about solving (4(x^3)+38(x^2)+44x-20)/(20+12x+x^2), without the use of a computer, further, what about functions which have more x components, with higher powers. Also what process do computers use to solve these.
  49. G

    Problem about equality of energy formulas

    Above they use the equality that the massless energy hv is equal to einsteins energy. Both have the same velocity. How can not this mean that einsteins formula has more energy then the other. I have added a proof of einsteins formula just in case it can be used: In the proof above I don't...
  50. RJLiberator

    Fourier Series and deriving formulas for sums of numerical

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution So I am tasked with answer #3 and #4. I have supplied the indicated parenthesis of 8 also with the image. Here is my thinking: Take the Fourier series for |sin(θ)|. Let θ = 0 and we see a perfect relationship. sin(0) = 0 and...
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