What is Calculations: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A calculation is a deliberate process that transforms one or more inputs into one or more results. The term is used in a variety of senses, from the very definite arithmetical calculation of using an algorithm, to the vague heuristics of calculating a strategy in a competition, or calculating the chance of a successful relationship between two people.
For example, multiplying 7 by 6 is a simple algorithmic calculation. Estimating the fair price for financial instruments using the Black–Scholes model is a more complex algorithmic calculation.
Statistical estimations of the likely election results from opinion polls also involve algorithmic calculations, but produces ranges of possibilities rather than exact answers.
To calculate means to determine mathematically in the case of a number or amount, or in the case of an abstract problem to deduce the answer using logic, reason or common sense. The English word derives from the Latin calculus, which originally meant a small stone in the gall-bladder (from Latin calx). It also meant a pebble used for calculating, or a small stone used as a counter in an abacus (Latin abacus, Greek abax). The abacus was an instrument used by Greeks and Romans for arithmetic calculations, preceding the slide-rule and the electronic calculator, and consisted of perforated pebbles sliding on iron bars.

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  1. E

    Calculations using Saturated Vapour Pressure

    Hi all, new here, so don't know if this is the right place. All the other places in the forum seemed like advanced stuff! Anyway, i don't understand why when calculating the partial pressure of a gas in SVP conditions, you subtract 6.28kPa from the normal atomospheric pressure of 101.1kPa...
  2. M

    Practical calculations for gravity

    Hi, Could somebody please explain to me how you can calculate the effects of gravity in general relativity in a practical way? (Or point me to a site where these things are explained in an understandable way) I keep trying to read articles and courses about it, but whenever it gets...
  3. T

    How to Calculate Bullet Trajectory and Distance in Game Development?

    I'm not sure if this is the correct area to post, but I figure if I'm wrong it'll be moved or something. I'm working on a game and I need some help with calculating bullet trajectory. I need a formula for where the bullet will be at a certain time based off of the angle it is shot from...
  4. P

    Calculating Wavelengths of Redshift in Cosmology

    [i asked this question in my blog..but i know it would be better answered here] what are the calculations of the wave lengths of a cosmological redshift? (meaning them all) i just wanted to know what precises wavelength determines which red shift.. thanks guys
  5. D

    COMSOL - parameter dependent eigenvalue calculations

    Hello, I am using COMSOL (RF modul) for some time now to calculate the eigenvalues (modes) of optical fibers. So far I changed all the params from hand in the software. But it is getting anoying to change a parameter (the wavelength) and to recalculate if one wants to calculate for many...
  6. M

    A couple of geostationary calculations

    Homework Statement a satellite is orbiting the Earth in a near-polar orbit. it's orbital height is 500km. the satellite carries a nadir-viewing push-broom scanning imaging instrument with 4 spectral bands. for each spectral band, the detector array consists of 1024 detector elements. the width...
  7. B

    Power Production of a Nuclear Reactor: Calculations for Days and Years

    Homework Statement a particular nuclear power reactor operates at 1000MWe (megawatts electric) with an overall efficiency in converting fission energy to electrical energy of 30%. what mass of 235 U must fission in order for the power plant to operate for (a)one day, (b)one year?(c) if the...
  8. P

    Regarding reliability calculations based on probability

    Hello All ! i m facing a problem in finding out any link or material regarding calculation of reliability from probability... in simple words.. if i know the probability of occurence of error in a bit sequence 'B' is 'p' , then what is d probability of error tht would occur at d same bit...
  9. F

    Help with Vector Function Calculations

    missed a lecture and now have this homework problem and don't even know what the upside down triangle symbol indicates, can someone please give me a hand getting started, thanks consider the vector function q=(1/4X^4 y^2 z, x^3 yz^6 - cosh(xz), 1/7x^3 z^7) calculate f(x,y,z)=upside down...
  10. M

    Verifying Calculations for 2g of NH4Cl: Low Yields Explained

    Trying to make sure my calculations were correct. We were tasked to make 2 grams of NH4Cl. Our proposed method was using HCl and NH4ClOH. This was confirmed as our best way. The way I figured it was that 2 grams of ammonium chloride was 0.037519 moles. We used 6M hydrochloric acid and 6M...
  11. U

    Where to Access the Longest Worked Out Calculations in Physics?

    Where can I find worked out quantum field theory calculations? What are the longest calculations in physics? I would like to see them.
  12. C

    Moment Calculations for a Machine

    Hi, this may seem like a silly question to ask, but it has to do with +/- signing when taking the moment about a point. I have images attached to this post to make things a little clearer. Homework Statement The compound-lever pruning shears shown can be adjusted by placing pin A at various...
  13. S

    Another Really Easy Group Calculations which i cant do

    Homework Statement prove that if aba-1=b2 then a3ba-3=b8 The Attempt at a Solution Ive tried lots of different things, none of which have worked. i trield left and right multiplying by a^2 and a^-2 but couldn't figure it out. I know there is some magical trick but i cannot for...
  14. C

    Hydrogen spectrum calculations

    Homework Statement This is from Advanced Physics by Adams and Allday, part 8 Modern Physics, Practice Exam Question 15. The spectrum of atomic hydrogen contains a prominent red line having a wavelength of 6.60 x 10-7 m. Calculate the energy of a photon with this wavelength. The...
  15. S

    Really Easy Group Calculations which i cant do

    Homework Statement let a,b\inG Assume that a has order 5 and that a^{3}b=ba^{3} Prove that ab=ba The Attempt at a Solution I know there is some magical thing you can multiply by that will make things nice... i just can't figure this out. if tried left and right multiplying...
  16. W

    Projectile motion calculations from data gathered during trials

    Homework Statement solve projectile motion formulas for \Theta and v_0 all measurements are in m, t is seconds y_0=.005 x_0=0 the averages from my trials were: x=8.775 m t=1.3 s Homework Equations x=x_0+v_0*cos\Theta*t y=y_0+v_0*sin\Theta*t+.5a_yt^2 The Attempt at a Solution...
  17. S

    Commutativity in Groups: Does xyz=1 imply yzx=1 and yxz=1?

    Homework Statement assume that the equation xyz=1 holds in a group G. does it follow that yzx=1? yxz=1? The Attempt at a Solution My thoughts are the following: Since in the problem, it does not state that G is an abelian group, we cannot assume the law of composition is...
  18. J

    How Do You Calculate Uncertainties and Probabilities in Various Scenarios?

    How do yo do these calculations?? help please! for ex would a + b be, 90.043 ± 14.344? Calculate: (a) 23.043 ± 4.321 (b) 67 ± 9.023 (c) 33.1492934 ± 2 a = 40 ± 5 b = 30 ± 3 c = 20 ± 1 t = 1.2 ± 0.1 Calculate a + b, a + b + c, a / t, and (a + c) / t. Calculate (1.23 ± 0.03) +pi...
  19. S

    Help with nanomolar calculations

    Appreciate some backup, checking my calculations to see where I messed up - - it's been 30years since college chemistry: Let's say I have a compound X which has a molecular weight of 320, so, 320 grams = 1 mole. Next, I have a 1% stock solution A of that compound X (1 gram...
  20. G

    QED Loop Calculations: Questions and Solutions

    Hi, I'm currently doing some one-loop calculations for some bad-*** decays with vector final states, which yield me some tri-tensor threepoint functions. I know the Passarino-Veltmann reduction scheme, and also got the general reduction formulas from Denner-Dietmeier to simplify expressions...
  21. E

    TORQUE calculations for Brushless dc motor.

    OK hey guys, I am building an electric go kart for a final project, and I'm just trying to get my initial justifications correct, with respect to the classical physics involved. SPECS: i was the car to be able to reach 60km/h, The total weight of the car will be approx 200kgs. the size...
  22. P

    Motion Calculations. Does the child catch the truck problem.

    A child is running at her maximum speed of 4m/s to catch an ice cream truck, which is stopped at the side of the road. When the child is 20m from the truck, the ice cream truck starts to accelerate away at a rate of 1.0m/s^2. Does the child catch the truck? I know to begin, you must create an...
  23. M

    Q3: Calculating Ore Processing for Thallium Extraction

    Hello. I just started a first year chemistry course after switching to the sciences from the arts, and wanted to double-check some equations with you because this is a little new to me. I'm good with the qualitative stuff, but the quantitative parts come a little harder. Q1: A sheet of metal...
  24. S

    Solving a Ball Dropped from 1.75m: Velocity and Impulse Calculations

    Homework Statement A ball is dropped from a height of 1.75m. It bounces on the floor and reaches a maximum height of 1.35m above the floor. The ball's weight is 98.5g. a) What is the ball's velocity just before and just after the bounce? b) How large is the impulse that the ball gets in the...
  25. D

    Relativistic calculations - when to use them?

    This is less of a strict math problem than me thinking my online teacher is wrong. I will, however, format the question as per PF's requirements, and I think it should be in this forum because it involves my coursework. Homework Statement Essentially, when should I use relativistic...
  26. R

    De Broglie wavelength calculations

    I had a go at 2 Q's and wanted to make sure I'm doing this right. so here's the first one, and maybe if i went wrong with it I was going to redo the 2nd Q on my own. \lambda = h/p = h/mv (\sqrt{1-((v^2)/(c^2))}) so, an Alpha Particle traveling @ 2x106m/s (mass = 6.645x10-27 kg)...
  27. D

    What is the maximum load capacity for my fabricated bracket?

    Hi Guys I hope you can help. I’m currently trying to modify some existing equipment and have a problem that I hope you good people can help me solve. I have a fabricated bracket that currently supports another bracket than runs on linear bearings to position its self. see attached JPG for...
  28. M

    Rotary Vane Compressor Design Calculations

    I am designing a sliding vane rotary compressor for a supercharger application on a small horsepower engine, but I am having trouble with the calculations. I have some estimations that I would hope to be correct (or close) but have no way to verify them at this point. One of the toughest parts...
  29. C

    Why Am I Struggling with Thermal Physics Calculations?

    Hi..i was trying out some calculations i found on some site as practice for my exam this Friday and realized that i don't understand at all.. Everytime i tried something..my answers were wrong.. E.i 1. How much heat energy is needed to heat 4 kg of aluminium by 8 (degrees)C? The...
  30. K

    Analyzing Errors in Converging Lens Calculations

    Homework Statement My task was to determine the focal distance and the magnification of a converging lens. I've done everything as stated in the procedure. The problem that i have is that when i am calculating the magnification in two differents ways i.e M1=b/a and M2=h'/h where a=distance...
  31. C

    Some help with calculations please

    Some help with calculations please :) So my friend Ryan is building a home made cyclotron particle accelerator. I'm rather interested in building one of my own, but fear I lack the technical know-how and mathematical practice to do so just yet. I asked him how he is building it(on facebook...
  32. S

    Surface Greens' function in coherent transport calculations

    Hi, I've been reading these forums for quite a while and now it seems like a good moment for my first post. I'm doing simple coherent transport calculations in tight-binding approximation. The device Hamiltonian matrix H_D is connected to two ideal leads, characterized by the unit cell lead...
  33. Q

    Understanding Atom Orbital Calculations: Wave Equations, Calculus, and Matrices

    I know they must use some sort of wave equation to calculate the exact orbitals of an atom, but I'm interested how they can be so absolutely sure that their calculated configurations are not wrong, what do they use calculus...matrices...etc?
  34. A

    Electric Flux due to Two Point Charges: Analysis and Calculations

    A point charge q_1 = 3.40 {\rm nC} is located on the x-axis at x = 1.80 {\rm m}, and a second point charge q_2 = -5.80 {\rm nC} is on the y-axis at y = 1.10 {\rm m} What is the total electric flux due to these two point charges through a spherical surface centered at the origin and with...
  35. W

    How important do you value mental calculations

    Do you think school should integrate classes that promote mental math and mental arithmetic, for example the ability to multiply two digit numbers in your head (say 15x19 or 14x17, etc). These things are critical and many people can't do them with severe brain gyrations! Do you think enough is...
  36. T

    Electron Configuration Calculations

    Hello, I've been trying to learn about electron configuration in atoms, and how it is calculated. I pretty much figured out a lot of it from doing my own research. From what I understand, each group in the periodic table represents a different electron shell, and the blocks S, P, d, and F...
  37. P

    Confirm Answers to Questions on Power Usage Calculations

    I am new to the forum,so if i posted the question not according to some specific format, i apologize. Power companies typically bill customers based on the number of kilowatt-hours used during a single billing period. A kilowatt is a measure of how much power (energy) a customer is using...
  38. B

    Some trouble with my force calculations

    Homework Statement I have 2 problems I'm having trouble with right now.(actually more but I'll ask 2 and try to figure out the others for now. Two blocks are in contact on a frictionless table. A horizontal force F is applied to M2, as shown. If M1 = 1.06 kg, M2 = 3.38 kg, and F = 4.75 N, find...
  39. P

    Zero Point Energy Calculation for BCC Solids | Chemist

    Hi all! I am a chemist trying to make her way through solid state computational physics problems and I have been stuck with this question for a while and couldn't find a clear answer to it: What is a Zero Point Energy and especially, how can I calculate this for a bcc solid? Anyone can...
  40. B

    What Calculations Can Be Done for a Solar Energy Project?

    I will be do a project soon on a topic that I pick. I am interested in solar energy but one of the requirements for the project is to show calculations related to your topic. Are any calculations that wouldn't be to hard that might be relevant or should I find another topic?
  41. JaredJames

    Which Phase is the Water Currently In?

    hi, i understand how to use steam tables, but my problem is i cannot tell which phase the water is currently in. i do all the calculations, but how do i choose which phase? i ask because one of my questions asks for phase difference. many thanks jared james
  42. E

    Heat Exchanger Thermal Calculations

    Hello, Can anyone get me Heat exchanger thermal formula and equations Tom
  43. B

    Braking calculations while going down a slope pullling a load

    I'm trying to find out how to see if my brakes will lock up or my tires will continue to roll through the following scenario. I have a machine that weighs 42,000 lbs. I'm pulling a 110,00 lbs trailer with load (no brakes on the trailer). This is a rubber tired machine going down a 8 degree...
  44. J

    The Energy in the World's Oceans: Calculations and Consequences

    Homework Statement Approximately 1.0 X 10^34 J of energy is available from fusion of hydrogen in the world's oceans. a) If 1.0 X 10^33 J of this energy were utilized, what would be the decrease in the mass of the oceans? b) To what volume of water does this correspond? Homework...
  45. J

    Which books are recommended for mastering QED calculations in QFT?

    Hi all, I'm currently learning QFT out of Mandl and Shaw supplemented by Peskin and Schroeder. What are the best books for getting experience with QED calculations? Problems with worked solutions would be ideal.
  46. C

    Comp Sci Java calculations w/ conditional statements

    I'm supposed to calculate the cost of renting a Ford, Cadillac or Toyota, and use conditional statements to calculate the different costs of each vehicle. users are supposed to enter “F” for Ford, “T” for Toyota, or “C” for Cadillac users enter “F” for Ford, “T” for Toyota, or “C” for Cadillac...
  47. W

    Proportionality calculations (Coulombs Law)

    Two unlike charges attract each other with a force of 5 x 10^-5 when placed 12 cm apart. 1) What is the force between them when they are 4.0cm apart 2)At what distance apart will the force between them be 2.0 x 10^-4 now i have attempted these questions, but i cannot find a...
  48. humanino

    Calculating Static Potential with Lattice Calculations

    Hi, a few months ago, someone pointed me to an excellent primer on lattice calculations, available for free on arXiv. I was browsing and finding many results, so I was wondering if anybody had a good reference, including worked examples so one can readilly do such easy things as calculating...
  49. R

    Exploring Vacuum Energy Calculations

    Hey folks, Sometimes I see the calculation of the vacuum energy written as: \int\frac{d^3k}{(2\pi)^3}(k^2+m^2) and sometimes written: \int\frac{d^4k}{(2\pi)^4}log(k^2+m^2) See for example http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-ph/0105021 equation9. Does anyone know why you can increase the...
  50. J

    How Do You Calculate Shear Force and Bending Moments in Stub Axles?

    i have been set a question to draw the shear force and bending moment diagrams for the loading condition shown on the diagram, and am not quite sure how to do this... do i need to work out other forces along the diagram? and help...much appriciated thanks!
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