To add comments or start new threads please go to the full version of: Symbols And Meanings
PhysForum Science, Physics and Technology Discussion Forums > General Sci-Tech Discussions > Homework Help

krash661
A = 6.02x10^23 -- Avagadro's constant
B = E/c -- Magnetic field equals the electric field divided by the speed of light
C = 299792458 m/s -- The speed of light
D = sqrt[(X-x)^2+(Y-y)^2)] -- The distance between points (x,y) and (X,Y)
E = mc^2 -- Mass-Energy relation
F = ma -- Force equals mass times acceleration
G = 9.8 m/s^2 -- Acceleration due to gravity on Earth
H = 6.626x10^-34 J s -- Planck's constant
I = V/R -- Current equals voltage divided by resistance
J = Newton*meter -- Joule (unit of energy)
K = 8.9875*10^9 N*m^2/c^2 -- Boltzmann's constant
L = m(v x r) -- Angular momentum equals mass times the cross product of the velocity and radius
M = (Y-y)/(X-x) -- Slope equals the rise over the run
N = kg*m/s^2 -- A Newton (N) is a kilogram meter per second squared
O = (0,0,0) -- The origin is usually designated as an "O"
P = mv -- Momentum equals mass times velocity
Q = c*m*(delta)T -- Heat loss/gained equals the specific heat times the mass times the change in Temperature
R = v/w -- Radius equals velocity divided by angular velocity
S = E x B -- The Poynting vector
T = 2(pi)*sqrt(L/g) -- The period of a simple harmonic oscillator
U = mgh -- Potential energy equals mass times gravitational acceleration times height
V = dx/dt -- Velocity equals the change in position over time
W = F*d -- Work equals force times distance
X = [-b / sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)]/2a -- The quadratic equation
Y = F(x) -- Y is a function of X
Z = (delta)(lambda)/(lambda) -- Redshift (the change in wavelength divided by the rest wavelength)



As you can see from above, i have this list.but I'm realizing there are more symbols as i look in a calculus book. Then I notice that the capital and lower case symbols my have a different meaning.

Examples

V = dx/dt -- Velocity equals the change in position over time
v(lower case) = velicity

M = (Y-y)/(X-x) -- Slope equals the rise over the run
m(lower case) = mass

so where would i find a list of symbols of all and there meanings, as i feel this is very important to learn( of coarse)?
Confused1
There aren't enough letters for everything so many of the letters and symbols used are context sensitive. In maths and physics i is always the square root of minus one .. in electrical angineering i is used for current (dQ/dt)* so j is used for the square root of minus one.

* Q is charge, d is an infinitely small interval and t is time. On a good day every text will define all the letters used - in reality all you need is years of practice and experience.
brucep
QUOTE (krash661+Jul 7 2012, 04:30 PM)
A = 6.02x10^23 -- Avagadro's constant
B = E/c -- Magnetic field equals the electric field divided by the speed of light
C = 299792458 m/s -- The speed of light
D = sqrt[(X-x)^2+(Y-y)^2)] -- The distance between points (x,y) and (X,Y)
E = mc^2 -- Mass-Energy relation
F = ma -- Force equals mass times acceleration
G = 9.8 m/s^2 -- Acceleration due to gravity on Earth
H = 6.626x10^-34 J s -- Planck's constant
I = V/R -- Current equals voltage divided by resistance
J = Newton*meter -- Joule (unit of energy)
K = 8.9875*10^9 N*m^2/c^2 -- Boltzmann's constant
L = m(v x r) -- Angular momentum equals mass times the cross product of the velocity and radius
M = (Y-y)/(X-x) -- Slope equals the rise over the run
N = kg*m/s^2 -- A Newton (N) is a kilogram meter per second squared
O = (0,0,0) -- The origin is usually designated as an "O"
P = mv -- Momentum equals mass times velocity
Q = c*m*(delta)T -- Heat loss/gained equals the specific heat times the mass times the change in Temperature
R = v/w -- Radius equals velocity divided by angular velocity
S = E x B -- The Poynting vector
T = 2(pi)*sqrt(L/g) -- The period of a simple harmonic oscillator
U = mgh -- Potential energy equals mass times gravitational acceleration times height
V = dx/dt -- Velocity equals the change in position over time
W = F*d -- Work equals force times distance
X = [-b / sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)]/2a -- The quadratic equation
Y = F(x) -- Y is a function of X
Z = (delta)(lambda)/(lambda) -- Redshift (the change in wavelength divided by the rest wavelength)



As you can see from above, i have this list.but I'm realizing there are more symbols as i look in a calculus book. Then I notice that the capital and lower case symbols my have a different meaning.

Examples

V = dx/dt -- Velocity equals the change in position over time
v(lower case) = velicity

M = (Y-y)/(X-x) -- Slope equals the rise over the run
m(lower case) = mass

so where would i find a list of symbols of all and there meanings, as i feel this is very important to learn( of coarse)?

Krash
Go back over your list and fix the stuff that should be lower case letters. Such as

G is the gravitational constant 6.6726E-11 m^3(kg s^2)

and

g is gravitational acceleration m/s^2

h is Planck's constant 6.6261E-34 (kg m^2)/s

v = velocity

V = effective potential for orbits

some other stuff
krash661
OK, no problem..

but Brucep,
That was my point, how or where would i find all symbols and meanings,
I look in a calculus book and not all symbols are there nor in physics books. I don't know how to correct the list because i don't know all symbols.
But I am glad you told me it was wrong.


as to C2, so it's also
a matter of the symbols pertaining to what the material is ?
brucep
QUOTE (krash661+Jul 8 2012, 05:56 PM)
OK, no problem..

but Brucep,
That was my point, how or where would i find all symbols and meanings,
I look in a calculus book and not all symbols are there nor in physics books. I don't know how to correct the list because i don't know all symbols.
But I am glad you told me it was wrong.


as to C2, so it's also
a matter of the symbols pertaining to what the material is ?

It's not all wrong. I was pointing out the case makes a difference. Don't feel you need to know everything. Learn them as you move along in your studies.
Every physics text list the terms they use.
krash661
ok i understand..
but i do have an annoying thought for the need to learn as much as possible.
Mekigal
QUOTE (krash661+Jul 11 2012, 06:40 PM)
ok i understand..
but i do have an annoying thought for the need to learn as much as possible.

That is a mand . My word of the day
krash661
QUOTE (Mekigal+Jul 11 2012, 01:17 PM)
That is a mand . My word of the day

What is it's meaning ?
PhysOrg scientific forums are totally dedicated to science, physics, and technology. Besides topical forums such as nanotechnology, quantum physics, silicon and III-V technology, applied physics, materials, space and others, you can also join our news and publications discussions. We also provide an off-topic forum category. If you need specific help on a scientific problem or have a question related to physics or technology, visit the PhysOrg Forums. Here you’ll find experts from various fields online every day.
To quit out of "lo-fi" mode and return to the regular forums, please click here.