Coefficient

A coefficient (from Latin coefficere " participate ") is a attached to a different mathematical expression number or variable. The coefficient is a parameter or a measure (physics, economics) or a factor (chemistry). In calculus, they are often found as a number in front of a monomial.

Mathematics

In mathematics, a coefficient is a factor that belongs to a particular object, such as a variable or a base vector. Normally, objects and coefficients in the same order to be indexed, so that expressions such as

Arise, as with the coefficients of the variables for each

Simple example: the coefficient of the term is.

Examples of important mathematical coefficients:

• Coefficients of the polynomial, and in particular the leading coefficient
• Binomial coefficient
• Taylor coefficients ( see Taylor series )
• Fourier coefficients (see Fourier series )
• Coefficients of a power series or Laurent series, in particular the residual
• Clebsch -Gordan coefficient

Physics

In physics, a coefficient is usually a dimensionless quantity that describes a property of certain materials, certain body. In older literature, technical coefficients are called coefficients. Examples:

• Coefficient of static friction, sliding friction coefficient
• Drag coefficient ( " Cw " )
• Heat transfer coefficient

However, it is not referred to any dimensionless physical constant as the coefficient by far. Counter-examples:

• Fundamental physical constants such as the fine structure constant
• Ratios from similarity laws such as the Reynolds number

Chemistry

In stoichiometry is the stoichiometric coefficient in the equation of the number of particles or moles of a material with as many particles or other substances moles react. Is the coefficient of 1, it is omitted.

• Two hydrogen molecules with an oxygen molecule to two water molecules react
• 2 moles of hydrogen react with one mole of oxygen to form two moles of water.

• Mathematical concept
• Dimensionless size
• Chemistry