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. S

    Formulas to Calculate deflection/bending of Free-Standing Pipe

    Hello Everyone, I have several questions regarding the deflection of a free-standing pipe wherein Force is applied on top. Appreciate any feedback that I can get. Supposing I have the following Pipe Specifications: OD: 7in ID: 6in Yield Strength: 80,000psi Modulus of Elasticity...
  2. J

    Understanding Electrical Network Theory Equations: Confusion on Pg 101

    Im currently reading through the classic book on electrical network theory Balabanian and Bickarts electrical network theory. And I am getting confused on page 101, and the set of equations their... Eq's 67-72 dealing with accompanied sources and what exactly he's trying to imply with these...
  3. N

    Understanding formulas involving divison and multiplication

    I've never quite understood is how formula can involve division and multiplication while dealing with abstract concepts. Such as, ohm's law V = I•R where V=voltage applied I=current and R=resistance. How does that work exactly? how can you multiply two abstract concepts together to understand...
  4. BrainMan

    Writing Ionic Formulas, Given the ions

    Homework Statement Potassium chromate is an important compound of chromium. It is composed of K+ and CrO42-. Write the formula of the compound. Homework Equations positive charge + negative charge = 0 The Attempt at a Solution I know how to do this problem by cross switching the...
  5. I

    Engineering Formulas used in capacitor circuits

    http://photouploads.com/images/photo1igi.jpg These formulas have been provided to me for use in RC circuits. However, they haven't been defined in the lecture notes. I know Vc = voltage across the capacitor, but isn't that what Vc(t) is as well? Is there any difference between the two? Thanks
  6. N

    I need formulas explaining Voltage and Amperage

    I had been looking at my Grandpa's Trike and here are some of its stats: 1 HP 24V 42.4A 3200rpm (battery 2 12V 700-800A connected in series) my concluded watts per horsepower about 1017.6 w/HP Now a different motor Tesla's Model S's motor 416HP 2 motors 85kWh battery concluded watts per...
  7. bsmithysmith

    MHB Finding for X given half-angle formulas

    If csc(x)=4, for 90º<x<180º sin\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)= cos\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)= tan\left(\frac{x}{2}\right)= I'm definitely stumped on this one. I know that this is the half-angle formulas. Luckily we all have sheets we can use for the exam. I know that: csc(x)=4 is the same as...
  8. F

    Formulas for Arithmetical and Geometrical Progression

    Memorization, a contemptuous, futile, and insignificant method of learning math is, I think, not the solution to my problem. Well for the arithmetical progression, I have the formula: Let: l= last term a= first term d= common difference l= a+[d(n-1)] And for the geometrical...
  9. D

    DOS Formulas: Derivation & Comparison

    Hi,everyone,there is an important formula of DOS as follows, D_{n}(E)=\frac{Ω}{(2\pi)^{3}}\int_{BZ}dk\delta[E-\epsilon_{n}(k)] (1) On the other hand, another formula of DOS is often mentioned as follows, D_{n}(E)=\frac{Ω}{(2\pi)^{3}}\int_{S}\frac{dS}{\nabla_{k}E(k)} (2)...
  10. S

    How are physics formulas derived

    i was having this argument with a friend that said that physics formulas are found by performing experiments and in his words "changing the variables and watching how the result changes" i found this ridiculous but i want a professional opinion (because i know that some formulas are in fact...
  11. M

    Formulas converting Potential Energy to Kinetic Energy

    Homework Statement A 5kg ball (m), is to be dropped 1 meter (h) in a vacuum with no resistance in the Earth's gravity (g). Use the speed and motion equations to show that its KE at impact is equivalent to its PE at its starting point. Homework Equations PE = mgh KE= 1/2mv^2...
  12. Grog85

    Letters in expressions and formulas

    Hello, first post for me so I am sorry if this is in the wrong topic. I'm am from the UK studying A-Level Physics. I understand some formulas but this is testing me. Before I message my tutor I thought I would try here. Looks like a very useful website. Letters in expressions and...
  13. S

    What are all the possible formulas to use for 2D motion with projecti

    These are the papers it's based off of.. http://mredwards.net/Files/Problem%20D%20Horizontal%20Projectiles.pdf http://www.mredwards.net/Files/Problem%20E%20Projectiles%20from%20an%20angle.pdf My class uses g for gravity and delta x, vx etc...
  14. A

    Describe the closure of the set with formulas

    Homework Statement -∏<arg(z)<∏ (z≠0) Homework Equations arg(z) is the angle from y=0The Attempt at a Solution Arg(z) spans the entire graph since -pi to pi is the full 360 degrees so I put: -∏<arg(z)<∏ --> 0<arg(z)<2∏+k∏, (k ε Z) --> arg(z) \subset R --> arg(z) = R: all real numbers but I...
  15. L

    Formulas for integration and derivatives

    Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone can post up the formulas for integration and derivatives for everything, or if you have a link you can send me to see them. Like taking the integral or derivative of e^x I'd like to know the process for how it works.
  16. C

    Difference between two formulas of resistance

    There are two formulas for resistance R=pl/A V=IR What is the difference between them? Question b on the sheet. Why can you not use that data to calculate current flow when connected to a power source. I suspect it has something to Do with the difference between these two formulas.
  17. N

    MHB What are the formulas for solving sets A and B?

    Which formula's would you use to solve each set and please show the actual formulas please thank you for the help I really appreciate it as I need to know this for my final exam tomorrow, thank you! a) solving for neither set A and neither set B b) Solving for set A or Set B, but not bothc)...
  18. V

    Difference between propositional language and set of all formulas

    I am currently reading Rautenberg's book on mathematical logic, in it he defines a propositional language ##\mathcal{F}##, set theoretically, as the smallest (i.e. the intersection) of all sets of strings ##S## built from propositional variables (##\ p_1,p_2,\ldots##) as well as any binary...
  19. Ascendant78

    How much of the material (formulas, etc.) do you need to memorize?

    I am just finishing up my first physics course this semester (as a physics major). Although there did seem to be a lot to soak up this semester, I didn't feel like it was too bad. I am just curious though, is there a resource that has a list or other type of reference material that shows you...
  20. K

    Braking Formulas for Heavy Trucks

    I am working on virtual modeling, simulation & analysis of Heavy Trucks with Adams/truck. I need to check the Braking distance at Emergency Braking , I found some results from my simulation , Now I need the fundamentals of braking formula to know more about the theory , please help to find...
  21. N

    Inconsistency in formulas for relativistic energy

    I'm very noob at this and am a bit confused: Formula 1: E_T = \gamma \cdot m c^2 Formula 2: p = \gamma m v Formula 3: E_T^2 = (pc)^2 + (mc^2)^2 Formula 3 says a particle of negligible mass can have energy, but isn't this in contradiction to formula 1? Unless maybe the velocity of the...
  22. M

    Questions about Muonic Hydrogen: Binding Energy, Rydberg Formulas & Momentum

    I have a few questions about muonic hydrogen: How to calculate the binding energy? Is there Rydberg formula analog for muonic hydrogen? Is there a way to calculate muon momentum (similar like the electron has, 2.730 e-22 kg m/s)?
  23. K

    MHB Decomposition formulas for rotational symmetries of a cube

    I have a problem that I would like to check my work on. I am also stuck on the verifications for $E$ and $F$. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. **Problem statement:** Let $G$ be the group of rotational symmetries of a cube, let $G_v, G_e, G_f$ be the stabilizers of a...
  24. O

    Heat Exchanger Metric Formulas

    Hello, I need help to calculate the length of pipe in copper (d=22mm) to get the water in "kolam" to be 45 degree celcius and the heat pump temp is 55 degree celcius, heat pump water flow is about 1 meter cubic per hours, any simple formulas ? thank you for help
  25. K

    MHB Writing formulas to describe isometries

    Hi, I have a question that I don't know where to start on! First, some necessary background info: $r$ denotes reflection about the $x$-axis. $t_a$ denotes translation by a vector $a$ $p_{\theta}$ denotes rotation by an angle $\theta$ about the origin Let $s$ be the rotation of the...
  26. WaterMelllon3

    Redox reaction formulas or corrosion formulas?

    I was just wondering if anyone has some redox reaction formulas or corrosion formulas? Cheers Darryl
  27. T

    What Are Some Basic Physics Equations for Calculating Motion and Energy?

    Basic Physics First post so be gentle :). I have a couple of questions :) 1) The acceleration of a body is given by a(t) = 4t3 + 3ms-2. Find its velocity and displacememt if v(1) = 0ms-1 and x(1) = 2m 2) Calculate the momentum of a mass of 10kg when its velocity is 8ms-1 3) An...
  28. P

    Integration/Differentiation of Formulas

    So I am new to calculus, and have been playing around with integration and differentiation. I have learned that integrating and deriving formulas, you get other formulas that can be used, like integrating surface area of a sphere to get volume. I was wondering why this is, and what limits you...
  29. Erland

    Scattering formulas, what's the point?

    I am currently redaing Goldstein's Classical Mechanics (3rd ed. 2002, with Poole and Safko). The sections 3.10-11 deal with scattering, of the type originally studied by Rutherford, and which led him to formulate his "planetary system" atom model. Rutherford fired a beam of positively charged...
  30. T

    How do famous physicists create their formulas?

    So how does one create a formula. I've seen that it starts with proportionalities and constants, but how does one connect a constant to a proportionality? Can you provide a step by step example?
  31. Philosophaie

    Substituting ds by dt in Frenet-Serret Formulas

    I want to substitute ds by dt in the Frenet-Serret Formulas where κ is the curvature and is the torsion: Tangential:\frac{d\vec{T}}{ds} = κ*\vec{N} Normal:\frac{d\vec{N}}{ds} = -κ*\vec{T}+τ*\vec{B} Binormal:\frac{d\vec{B}}{ds} =- τ*\vec{N} I want to substitute \frac{d\vec{T}}{ds} → \frac{d}{dt}...
  32. Philosophaie

    Solve 2-Body Equation for t w/ Given Parameters

    For a 2 Body Equation: x = - \frac{1}{2} \frac{GM}{r^2}cos(\theta) cos(\phi) t^2 +v_x t + x_0 y= - \frac{1}{2} \frac{GM}{r^2} sin(\theta) cos(\phi) t^2 +v_y t + y_0 z= - \frac{1}{2} \frac{GM}{r^2} sin(\phi) t^2 +v_z t + z_0 r= sqrt(x^2 + y^2 + z^2) \theta = atan(\frac{y}{x}) \phi =...
  33. D

    GR Text: Zee's Formulas & Where I'm Going Wrong

    It seems like Zee lost a trace in his new GR text, but I am sure it is me confusing things. First, he establishes: log\: det\: M = tr\: log\: M Then, differentiating: (det\: M)^{-1} \: \partial (det\: M)=\partial (tr\: log\: M)=tr(\partial\: log\: M)=tr(M^{-1}\partial M) Then he applies...
  34. Twixtfanatic

    Formulas of the form (1+epsilon)-1

    I was fooling around with spreadsheet formulas, and created a series of rational approximations for the square root of 3: 7/4, 26/15, 97/56 etc. This is based on the continued fraction expansion for square roots. Each ratio N/D has the property that N^2 is one more than 3*(D^2)=K. I was curious...
  35. M

    Memorizing Formulas: Benefits of Note Cards for Long-Term Retention

    I've always preferred to read the book in order to understood the logic and theory behind the concepts in math and physics rather than just memorizing formulas. I believe the only thing one learns by memorizing formulas is how to plug in variables and one who tries to understand the logic and...
  36. D

    Vibration Formulas: Frequency, Amplitude & Acceleration

    What are the relationships between frequency, amplitude (double) and acceleration?
  37. MarkFL

    MHB Deriving the first and second order Newton-Cotes formulas

    Much like Simpson's Rule, a.k.a. the prismoidal method, improves upon the trapezoidal method by fitting parabolic arcs across known discrete points on some function $f(x)$ rather than line segments, Newton-Cotes formulas of order 1 and 2 fit cubic and quartic curves across points on the curve...
  38. O

    Elastic vs inelastic collisions formulas

    When doing practice problems from my textbook, I often get confused with both of them. MOre specifically there are usually formulas which pertain to only one of those types of collisions. Ex: (v_1-v_2)_i = -(v_1-v_2)_f Does anyone know more of these types of formulas, or tricks to...
  39. N

    LaTeX Viewing LaTeX Formulas on the PF App: Updates and Possibilities

    Will the formulas typed in latex ever be able to be viewed on the PF app? It is primarily what I use and many equations are quite difficult to read when written in raw latex. (The fact that I don't know latex probably doesn't help.) Just wondering if any mentors or really anyone for that...
  40. Lebombo

    Difference between 2 Sum of n terms of geometric series formulas

    Difference between 2 "Sum of n terms of geometric series" formulas Notation A) S_{n}= \sum_{k=0}^{n - 1} ar^{k} = ar^{0} + ar^{1} + ar^{2} +...+ ar^{n-1} = \frac{a(1-r^{n})}{1-r} Proof: S_{n}= ar^{0} + ar^{1} + ar^{2} +...+ ar^{n-1} - r*S_{n}= ar^{1} + ar^{2} + ar^{3} +...+ ar^{n}...
  41. A

    Derivatives of inverse functions-how two formulas relate?

    Derivatives of inverse functions--how two formulas relate? Homework Statement I know two formulas for calculating the derivative of an inverse function, both of which I know how to derive, but I don't know how to relate them to one another. Homework Equations...
  42. X

    Physics problems driving me crazy- each book has different formulas

    Homework Statement The electric potential difference between two parallel metal plates is delta V. The plates are separated by a distance of 3 .0 mm and the electric field between the plats is E = 250 V / m. Calculate delta V Homework Equations E = - delta V / delta D The Attempt...
  43. M

    Question about formulas in fluids

    When using bernoullis and momentum, gauge pressure is only used in calculations, any atmospheric pressure is generally omitted, i could understand if, for example, using bernoullis, pressure 1 and pressure 2 were both atmospheric, therefore they would cancel out, but when one pressure is...
  44. K

    Difference between the two following formulas

    Can some one please tell me what is the difference between the two following formulas and when it is used: dQ=dU+dW dU=dQ+dW
  45. D

    Finding rate of change formulas with the given information

    Homework Statement Let Q(t)=t2. Find a formula for the average rate of change (ROC) of Q over the interval [1, t] and use it to estimate the instantaneous ROC at t = 1.Homework Equations For x1 ≠ x0, the average rate of change of y with respect to x over [x0, x1] is the ratio Average ROC =...
  46. H

    How to draw plots for these formulas?

    Hello, I have got these formulas used for adiabatic process. Now I would like know how the plots look like. A) y=p*V^κ , where κ is Heat capacity ratio B) y=T*V^(κ-1) C) y=T^κ*p^(1-κ) NOTE: κ (Heat capacity ratio) > 1 Thank you
  47. J

    D.E. Third-order Wronskian formulas

    I can't find a reference for what the wronskian formulas are when dealing with a 3rd order D.E. I know that: W= W[y1,y2,y3] W1= 1*W[y2,y3] W2= -1* W[y1,y3] W3= ?
  48. K

    Rearranging formulas. Accelerations

    If I were to solve for Aav Δd = viΔt+1/2aavΔt^2 Vi- initial velocity Aav is average acceleration
  49. E

    Taylor series for getting different formulas

    I am trying to establish why, I'm assuming one uses taylor series, \frac{\partial u}{\partial t}(t+k/2, x)= (u(t+k,x)-u(t,x))/k + O(k^2) I have tried every possible combination of adding/subtracting taylor series, but either I can not get it exactly or my O(k^2) term doesn't work out (it's...
  50. W

    Difference between These Electric Field Formulas

    just a quick question. I seem to have come across two very similar formulas for electric fields produced by uniformly charged parallel plates. My book gives the formula as E = \frac{\omega}{\epsilon_0} on the other hand the notes from my prof tell me that E = \frac{\omega}{2\epsilon_0}...
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