# What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?

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#### evan_au

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##### What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« on: 29/01/2016 09:10:08 »
Brian Cox suggests:
#1: E=mc2
#2: F=ma
#3: ??

What do you nominate as a world's most recognizable scientific equations?

Brian Cox is a physicist. "Water=H2O" is a very widely a recognized statement in chemistry, and it does contain an "=", but does it qualify as an equation?

#### Colin2B

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #1 on: 29/01/2016 09:34:17 »
"Water=H2O" is a very widely a recognized statement in chemistry, and it does contain an "=", but does it qualify as an equation?
It is an equivalence, but I wouldn't call it an equation. I think an equation ought to be something that is solveable, or returns different values depending on the variables. What do you think?
and the misguided shall lead the gullible,
the feebleminded have inherited the earth.

#### Space Flow

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #2 on: 29/01/2016 10:00:52 »
$$\gamma =\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-\frac{v^2}{c^2}}$$
I too think an equation should be something that needs to be solved to have an answer, not just be the answer.
We are made of Spacetime; with a sprinkling of Stardust.
Matter tells Spacetime how to Flow; Spacetime tells matter where to go

#### Colin2B

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #3 on: 29/01/2016 11:45:46 »
p=mv?
y=mx+c
a2=b2+c2

« Last Edit: 29/01/2016 14:16:15 by Colin2B »
and the misguided shall lead the gullible,
the feebleminded have inherited the earth.

#### chris

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #4 on: 29/01/2016 20:59:26 »
KE = ½mv2
I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception - Groucho Marx

#### dhjdhj

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #5 on: 29/01/2016 21:58:00 »
I think E=mc² is definitely an equation. It does tell you how much total energy is in an atom at rest regardless of whether as energy or mass. If you know the mass of say a hydrogen atom is
1.66 *10 ‾²¹grams you can work out the total energy in joules. I also think it is the number one equation certainly on T shirts

#### chiralSPO

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #6 on: 29/01/2016 22:52:55 »
In addition to those mentioned above,
PV=nRT
S=k*log(W)

#### chris

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #7 on: 29/01/2016 23:52:17 »
Of all the equations I learned in school physics, the one I use the most, and usually most weeks, is:

P = VI or P = I2R

That's definitely my top equation
I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception - Groucho Marx

#### alancalverd

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #8 on: 30/01/2016 00:26:25 »
mgh = ½mv2 is hugely important - basic conservation equation

F = GMm/r2 likewise, and probably better known - how the planets were formed

E = hν = hc/λ is well recognised - how energy reaches the earth

6CO2 + 6H2O $${\rightharpoon\atop\leftharpoondown}$$ C6H12O6 + 6O2 explains why there is life on the surface of this planet

« Last Edit: 30/01/2016 06:52:13 by alancalverd »
helping to stem the tide of ignorance

#### Colin2B

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #9 on: 30/01/2016 00:31:07 »
Of all the equations I learned in school physics, the one I use the most, and usually most weeks, is:

P = VI or P = I2R

That's definitely my top equation
Which reminds me V=IR
And for some reason y=ax3+bx2+cx+d
But who can ever forget x=-b±√(b2-4ac)/2a
Or z=a+bj
and the misguided shall lead the gullible,
the feebleminded have inherited the earth.

#### chris

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #10 on: 30/01/2016 17:56:40 »
6CO2 + 6H2O $${\rightharpoon\atop\leftharpoondown}$$ C6H12O6 + 6O2

I think you've hit the biggie there... most people who ever did science at school know this one!
I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception - Groucho Marx

#### alysdexia

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##### Re: What are the world's top 10 most recognizable scientific equations?
« Reply #11 on: 30/01/2016 21:43:47 »
s = s_0 + vt + at^2/2.
P = F/A.
{ρ,d} = m/V.