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Physics vocabulary · Experiments and Problem Solving

Derive

Meaning in physics, with examples

/dɪˈraɪv/verbCore term

In physics, derive means: To obtain an equation or result step by step from basic laws or other equations, using logic and algebra instead of simply quoting it.

In Turkish: türetmek, elde etmek, çıkarmak

How it is used

A common verb in exams and lectures: 'derive an expression for...', 'show that...', 'derive the equation from first principles'. The noun is 'derivation'. Do not confuse 'derive' with 'differentiate' (türev almak), even though the Turkish words look alike.

Example sentences

  1. Derive an expression for the maximum height reached by the ball.

  2. The lecturer derived the lens equation from the geometry of the ray diagram.

Common collocations

  • derive an expression
  • derive an equation
  • derive from first principles
  • derivation of
  • dimensional analysisA method of checking or building an equation by comparing the units or basic dimensions (mass, length, time and so on) on each side. Both sides of a valid equation must match.
  • resolveTo split a force or another vector into two parts at right angles to each other, usually horizontal and vertical, so that each direction can be dealt with separately.
  • neglectTo leave a small effect, such as air resistance or friction, out of a calculation on purpose because it makes little difference to the result.
  • directly proportionalDescribes two quantities that change at the same rate, so that if one doubles the other doubles too. Their graph is a straight line through the origin.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Experiments and Problem Solving

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