A Trying to understand the meaning of "Sum Rules"

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Sum rules are principles that apply in various fields, including electromagnetism and acoustics, where quantities are summed or accumulated. They often relate to the principle of superposition, indicating how different effects can be combined. Specific applications of sum rules can be found in areas like elementary particle physics and quantum field theory. Understanding the context in which sum rules are used is crucial for grasping their meaning and implications. Overall, sum rules provide a framework for analyzing systems where multiple contributions are present.
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sum rules
I have encountered the name "sum rules" in many places, such as EM, acoustics,... But I understand none. In what kind of situation will a sum rule occurs? What does it said exactly?
 
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Do you mean the principle of superposition?
 
qnach said:
in many places

Which in particular? I've seen many places, but I don't necessarily know what you are talking about :wink:
 
qnach said:
In what kind of situation will a sum rule occurs?
"Sum rules" apply to situations where things are summed, added, or accumulated. The applicable rules will depend on the field and the particular application. You need to specify in which field you have encountered the sum rules, and what was being summed.
 
qnach said:
TL;DR Summary: sum rules

I have encountered the name "sum rules" in many places, such as EM, acoustics,... But I understand none. In what kind of situation will a sum rule occurs? What does it said exactly?
Sum rules are common in elementary particle physics. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sum_rules_(quantum_field_theory) for over a dozen examples.
 
qnach said:
TL;DR Summary: sum rules

In what kind of situation will a sum rule occurs?

I hadn't come across this by name but it certainly makes sense and I got the 'right answers' for the example questions in this link.
It's along the same lines as combining probabilities which we did deal with a School.
 
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