What is Symbol: Definition and 377 Discussions

A symbol is a mark, sign, or word that indicates, signifies, or is understood as representing an idea, object, or relationship. Symbols allow people to go beyond what is known or seen by creating linkages between otherwise very different concepts and experiences. All communication (and data processing) is achieved through the use of symbols. Symbols take the form of words, sounds, gestures, ideas, or visual images and are used to convey other ideas and beliefs. For example, a red octagon is a common symbol for "STOP"; on maps, blue lines often represent rivers; and a red rose often symbolizes love and compassion. Numerals are symbols for numbers; letters of an alphabet may be symbols for certain phonemes; and personal names are symbols representing individuals. The variable 'x', in a mathematical equation, may symbolize the position of a particle in space.
The academic study of symbols is semiotics. In cartography, an organized collection of symbols forms a legend for a map.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. B

    Number 1 beside nabla symbol....

    I have the number 1 next to Nabula and I do not know how to solve it. For reference, I am a Korean person, so it would be very difficult if you explain it difficultly.
  2. Math Amateur

    LaTeX Latex Symbol: "Does Not Divide"

    Can someone help me with the Latex symbol/code for "does not divide"? Peter
  3. D

    Commutation relation using Levi-Civita symbol

    Homework Statement Hi,I have got a question as follow: Compute the commutation relations of the position operator R and the angular momentum L.Deduce the commutation relations of R^2 with the angular momentum L Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution In fact I have got the solutions to...
  4. Ian Baughman

    I What does this symbol represent?

    In my nuclear engineering class we are looking at relativity right now. For one of our homework problems we have to derive an equation for a particle moving at relativistic speed showing the kinetic energy in terms of the particles momentum. In the answer they have a term mc and I have no idea...
  5. Q

    I Christoffel Symbol vs. Vector Potential

    As far as I can tell, in GR, the Chirstoffel symbol in the expression of the Connection is analogous to the vector potential, A, in the definition of the Covariant Derivative. The Chirstoffel symbol compensates for changes in curvature and helps define what it means for a tensor to remain...
  6. mhob

    A Contraction between Levi-Civita symbol and Riemann tensor

    How to proof that εμνρσ Rμνρσ =0 ? Thanks.
  7. G

    A Is there anyone who can explain Strukturbericht symbol?

    I have found about Strukturbericht and got some information. But I don`t know what these number means. I heard that Mn_5Ge_3 is a D8_8 type structure. I already found that D means A_m B_n compound. But I can`t find anywhere what the number mean.
  8. F

    Maple Maple - Explicit Set Definition & Natural Number Symbol

    Hi, I would like to know if is possible define a set rule explicitly. ex.: Define the set A explicitly where ξ = ℕ and A = {x | x < 3}. The maplesoft said the (N) is a representation of Natural Numbers. f:=proc() local a,b; a:=N; b:= 3; print(a<b); end proc; when I...
  9. sa1988

    I What does this symbol mean?

    The below image shows the end part of a formal proof of the inertia tensor. There's a weird symbol in there that I've never seen before, and google isn't bringing much in the way of explanation. Anybody know what it is? At a guess I'd say it has quite a strong connection to the Kronecker delta...
  10. E

    What does the symbol [=] mean?

    Homework Statement What does the symbol [=] mean? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution I tried looking this up online but can't find anything. I think it has something to do with dimensional analysis or denoting the units of a quantity. E.g., is it valid to write: t [=] seconds ?
  11. kolleamm

    Music Is the shuffle symbol (music) copyrighted?

    I want to make an app, but I have no idea whether it can use the shuffle or the loop symbols. Are they copyrighted? Thanks in advance
  12. scienceNewbie0023

    What unit symbol is this and what does Gg represent?

    what does "Gg" represent ?
  13. Stephanus

    Music Musical Symbol Font: Download for Church Choir Practice

    Dear PF Forum, Can anyone help me? I am in need of musical symbol font which can make A: single or double (triple is better) horizontal line B: Upper dot for 1 octave higher C: Lower dot for 1 octave lower, Perhaps anyone know where to download such font. I need this for my church choir, so...
  14. wrobel

    Marilyn Monroe: Iconic Symbol of America

    long I wanted to ask someone from the Americans. What was Marilyn Monroe for America? She was beautiful but not the most beautiful one among the American actresses. She also was not most talented. So why did the whole nation go mad from her? How she became one of the symbols of USA?
  15. rezkyputra

    The Variation of Christoffel Symbol

    Homework Statement It is shown in Carrol, an Introduction to GR that the variatiom of Christoffel symbols are : https://scontent-sin1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/13535871_1161725257182772_897443562_n.jpg?oh=df1a6d26aa0b199d4684b5f0785bee20&oe=576ECCCA But i have no idea how to derive that, any...
  16. M

    MATLAB Number formats in Matlab [not to use e symbol]

    When I write 1.516*10^-5 in Matlab it gives 1.516000000000000e-05 but I do not want to use e symbol. So which format should I use. I could use format bank but it has only two digits. I need more digits. Would you like to help me. Thank you.
  17. mertcan

    A Christoffel symbol definition

    hi, I have seen that christoffel symbol definition or logic is shown in different ways. For instance, in first attachment ( RED box) you can see a normal vector (n) next to the christoffel symbol, but in second image everything is same except that there is a normal vector. Is there a confusion...
  18. P

    LaTeX How to make that "E" symbol for Engineering Notation?

    I have failed to Google the answer because I don't even know what to call it. You know that little "E" used in Engineering notation that lacks serifs? How do I make that "E"?
  19. T

    I What is the purpose of this symbol?

    What exactly is the name and operation of the symbol that is found right after the approximately equal sign in the attachment? I have come across it a lot in readings, and I feel like I should clear up what it is.
  20. Jatin Kaushal

    B Why do we put the dot multiplication symbol when integrating

    This is I think a really dumb question, but I never got it, why do we have that dot symbol when we integrate. Like in gauss's law, we have ∫E⋅dA . why is that ⋅ there? Thank you for your help
  21. mertcan

    A Subtraction of Christoffel symbol

    hi, How do we prove the torsion tensor is a tensor using the subtraction of christoffel symbols?? I am aware of the fact that subtraction of christoffel symbols equals the torsion. How can we use this fact to prove the tensor?? Could you please give the proof or share the link which prove it??
  22. mertcan

    A Anti-symmetric Christoffel symbol

    hi, I have seen some examples related to christoffel symbol when it was symmetric, but I have not seen any anti symmetric christoffel symbol examples. For instance, in torsion tensor, if we have anti symmetric christoffel symbol, torsion tensor does not vanish. To sum up, in what kind of...
  23. thebosonbreaker

    What does this symbol mean in a chemical equation?

    I recently stumbled across a chemical equation, which had a symbol I have never seen before. If anyone can tell me what this symbol means, I would be very grateful. Here's the equation: Ca(OH)2(aq) + Na2CO3(s) → CaCO3 ↓ + 2 NaOH(aq) ...and I'd like to know what the "↓" symbol means. Many...
  24. G

    I Symbol used in total differential and small errors

    Mod note: Thread title changed from "Sign used in total differential and small errors" to "Symbol used in total differential and small errors" My notes say that z=f(x,y) can be defined as the sum of the changes with respect to x,y respectively. The formula is: dz = ∂f/∂x * dz + ∂f/∂y * dy...
  25. Math Amateur

    MHB Get the Bigoplus Symbol Just Like Knapp's Text

    I wish to get a bigoplus symbol like the one in Knapp's text, Basic Algebra, as follows:https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/5395but when i use the Latex code \bigoplus_{ (e,f) } \mathbb{K} (e, f) I get the (e, f) in slightly the wrong place as here: \bigoplus_{ (e,f) } \mathbb{K} (e...
  26. P

    I What is the Math symbol for "corresponds with"

    I looked on the wiki math symbol page and couldn't find one, so I am thinking "corresponds" is wrong word. Is it supposed to be equals sign with hat on it? for example, "energy directly corresponds to wavenumber" thanks for any help
  27. ssnapier

    Working on Coulomb's Law lab, what is this symbol?

    I just need to know what I am being asked for here, I don't recall seeing this symbol before. Is this net force?
  28. Mark Childerley

    Can anyone give me the equation symbol for a singularity please

    I need the symbol that discribes a singularity for a novel I am writing. Can anyone help? Many thanks Mark
  29. W

    Derivation of the Christoffel symbol

    I'm reading Zee's Gravity book, can anyone help me understand the explanation on this part, I understand everything except the last part, he said to use (I.4.14) so that I could solve for the quantity shown in the image, what does he mean by that and how?
  30. Stephanus

    Understand Chemistry Bond Symbol for Antioxidants and Free Radicals

    Dear PF Forum, I'm trying to understand antioxidant and free radicals. But I'm afraid that my chemistry is weak. Perhaps someone can help me with this picture? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_peroxide This is Hydrogen Peroxide. Neutral. As much as I can surmise in this picture is... 1...
  31. Math Amateur

    Mathematica Mathematical Logic - Dandah symbol for discharging assumptions ....

    I am reading the book Mathematical Logic by Ian Chiswell and Wilfred Hodges (C&H) ... and am currently focused on Chapter 2: Informal Natural Deduction ... I need help with what C&H call the 'dandah' or more specifically symbols with a dandah through them ... The relevant text in C&H...
  32. W

    Troubleshooting Error: Cannot Find Symbol in Java Code

    My program says it doesn't recognise the symbol signum(double) or sqrt(double)! I have definitely done the whole import java.lang.Math; thing. And signum and sqrt aren't symbols anyway. Is that too vague? I can post the actual code. It's only my second week learning java, so it's supposed to be...
  33. STEMucator

    What is the closed volume integral symbol in Microsoft Word?

    Hi everyone. I've been curious about a particular symbol, but I've never seen it used or mentioned in any context. I don't really have much information about its usage, so I thought I would ask around and see if anyone knew about its application. I saw this symbol in Microsoft word. How...
  34. KostasV

    Commutators and cevi levita symbol

    Homework Statement The problem statement can be seen in the picture i uploaded. Homework Equations - The Attempt at a Solution The attempt to the solution can be seen in the picture i uploaded. I reached to the A and i don't know how to proceed to the solution that is given below. How does...
  35. P

    What is the meaning of this electrical symbol?

    Hi, I am trying to get up to speed on electrical schematics and how to read them and I am getting stuck with a particular symbol. I understand that the following symbol represents a link; However, I cannot seem to find what the following one means? I believe that it is meant to represent...
  36. K

    Scalar product and the Kronecker delta symbol

    From a textbook. proof that the scalar product ##A\centerdot B## is a scalar: Vectors A' and B' are formed by rotating vectors A and B: $$A'_i=\sum_j \lambda_{ij} A_j,\; B'_i=\sum_j \lambda_{ij} B_j$$ $$A' \centerdot B'=\sum_i A'_i B'_i =\sum_i \left( \sum_j \lambda_{ij} A_j \right)\left( \sum_k...
  37. Viraj Thakkar

    LaTeX Using the LaTeX Symbol for "E" for EMF Induction

    Please tell me how use the symbol for the emf induced "E" in LaTeX. Thank you.
  38. T

    How to pronounce this term symbol?

    $$5^{2}S_{\frac{1}{2}}$$ My guess is five-two-S-one-over-two. Any suggestion is appreciated. Thanks.
  39. Math Amateur

    LaTeX Latex code for the "not equivalent" symbol

    I have just posted on the Linear and Abstract Algebra forum ... and the post needs a "not equivalent" symbol as shown in Rotman's Proposition 1.58 part (ii) see below ... Can someone please help with the latex code for this symbol? PeterProposition 1,58 in Rotman's Abstract Algebra reads as...
  40. C

    Calculate Christoffel Symbol: Textbook Guide

    Friends, I wish indicate to me a textbook that teaches you calculate in detail the symbol of Christoffel (undergraduate or graduate level in physics). Thank You for your help!
  41. P

    What is this symbol in this circuit and its functionality?

    I have been working on a circuit and the manual shows a diode in parallel with "CR". I think it might either a control relay or a crystal rectifier. I am having problem building the part between +ve terminal of the 24VDC power supply and the 9 /IN POSITION terminal Can anyone please help me...
  42. Safinaz

    Can Two Levi-Civita Symbols be Reduced to One with Indices?

    Hi there, Can two Levi-Civia symbols ## \epsilon^{ckl} \epsilon_{ibj} ## reduced to one with indices ## \epsilon_{kij} ## ? WHERE b and c run from 4 to 5, the other indices run from 1 to 3 and both symbols are multiplied by the following matrices: ## A_{ib}^c ~ B^{kl} ~ C_j ~\epsilon^{ckl}...
  43. Telemachus

    Levi Civita Symbol: Demonstrating $\epsilon_{ijk} T_{ki}$

    Homework Statement I'm trying to demonstrate the dientity: ##\displaystyle \int_v \vec {r} \times ( \nabla \cdot T ) d^3x=\oint_S ( \vec r \times T) \cdot \hat n da## T is a second order tensor, and r a vector. So basically I should have: ##\vec {r} \times \nabla \cdot T= \nabla \cdot ( \vec...
  44. ecoo

    Plus-Minus Symbol In This Trig. Equation

    Hey guys, The problem is #49 and it is a simple calculus problem, but the part that I am confused on is how the solution solves the trig. equation. In the solving, the solution brings out the plus-minus symbol and puts it outside the arccos, but I feel as if it should be inside the arccos. I...
  45. binbagsss

    LaTeX Learn How to Use the Variation Symbol in LaTeX for Calculus of Variations

    The functional one used for variations in calculus of variations. Had a google, can't seem to find. Thanks alot.
  46. G

    Levi-Civita Symbol and indefinite metrics

    Let ##(M,g)## be an ##n##-dimensional pseudo-Riemannian manifold of signature ##(n_+, n_-)## and define the Levi-Civita symbol via $$\varepsilon_{i_1 \dots i_n} \, \theta^{i_1 \dots i_n} = n! \, \theta^{[1 \dots n]} = \theta^1 \wedge \dots \wedge \theta^n$$ where ##\theta^1, \dots, \theta^n##...
  47. E

    What is this schematic symbol?

    See attached image. This is part of a one-line diagram of a solar-with-battery backup power supply system. Two inverters, one for the batteries and one for the solar panels, feed these things (one of which I've circled in red) at the inputs to a splitter, which splits the load between the two...
  48. S

    MHB What does this sum symbol mean?

    $\sum_{i=1}^3 2 i = 12$
  49. C

    Sign of Levi-Civita Symbol in spherical coordinates

    Hi, I am going through the derivation of an instanton solution (n=1) in Srednicki Chp. 93. Specifically, I went through eqn.s 93.29-93.38. However the sign of the Levi-Civita Symbol is bugging me: It says that in 4D Euclidean space, \epsilon^{1234}=+1 in Cartesian coordinates implies...
  50. T

    How to contract the christoffel symbol

    http://www.thephysicsforum.com/vlatex/pics/92_db3a451c7d105432675bef473582556e.png Anyone can help me? I am really stuck at here.
Back
Top