a complex quantity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complex quantity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to mathematics, physics, or engineering, where it refers to a quantity that has both a real and an imaginary component. Example: "In electrical engineering, impedance is often represented as a complex quantity, combining resistance and reactance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The key function in the theory of partially coherent light is the mutual coherence function Γ12 = Γ x1,τ2,τ), a complex quantity, which is the time averaged value of the cross correlation function of the light at the two aperture points x1 and x2 with a time delay τ (relating to a path difference to the point of observation of the interference fringes).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The paper discusses the evaluation of the uncertainty of a multivariate quantity using the Law of Propagation of Uncertainty defined in the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) and a Monte Carlo method according to the GUM's Supplement 2. The quantity analysed is the electrical impedance, which is not a scalar but a complex quantity.

Measurement

For the irreversible melting of polymer crystals analyzed with an additional underlying heating rate, the calibrated heat capacity becomes a complex quantity with a frequency dependence roughly approximated by Debye's type, the characteristic time of which depends on the underlying heating rate.

Polymer

∑'s are a complex quantity.

Nanoscale Research Letters

where represents the ensemble average, and * is the complex conjugate of a complex quantity.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

(mathrm {j}triangleq sqrt {-1}) and the real and imaginary parts of a complex quantity are represented by ℜ and I, respectively.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The laser is assumed to be operated in a single transverse mode so that propagation characteristics of light at each point along the laser cavity are described by a single scalar complex quantity, k, which is the wave vector of the medium.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The method utilizes the change in the phase lag between modulation components of sample temperature and of heat flow, to introduce an apparent heat capacity of complex quantity.

Polymer

A new analytical model of TMd.s.c. has been applied to the process, taking account of the response of exothermic heat flow to temperature modulation in an apparent heat capacity of complex quantity.

Polymer

This system can be solved into an algebraic equation, which provides the values of complex velocity V for any given N. Using this relation among p, V and N, Eq. (2) yields (3) Denote the complex quantity so that we have a complex equation (4) which, on resolving, yield two real equations as follows.

Earth, Planets and Space

The apparent heat capacity of complex quantity obtained by t.m.d.s.c.s.c

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complex quantity", clearly define its real and imaginary components to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a complex quantity" when you simply mean something is complicated. "Complex" in this context refers to having both real and imaginary parts, not just being difficult to understand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complex quantity" functions as a noun phrase, specifically referring to a mathematical or scientific entity that consists of both a real and an imaginary component. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples in scientific literature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a complex quantity" is a technical term, primarily used in scientific and mathematical contexts, to describe a quantity that has both real and imaginary components. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is grammatically correct and common in various scientific domains. When writing, ensure clarity by defining the components and avoiding confusion with simpler terms like "complicated". Remember that "complex" refers to its mathematical definition, not just general difficulty. While alternatives exist, such as "an intricate amount" or "a multifaceted magnitude", they may not convey the same precise meaning in technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an intricate amount

Replaces "complex" with "intricate" and "quantity" with "amount", emphasizing the detailed and elaborate nature of the quantity.

a multifaceted magnitude

Substitutes "complex" with "multifaceted", highlighting the many aspects of the magnitude.

a compound value

Replaces "complex quantity" with "compound value", stressing the combination of different elements into a single value.

a composite measure

Changes "quantity" to "measure", suggesting a more formal or calculated value.

a sophisticated number

Emphasizes the advanced and refined nature of the number.

a complicated variable

Highlights the potentially confusing or intricate nature of the variable.

an involved total

Implies that arriving at the total requires multiple steps or considerations.

a sophisticated entity

Replaces quantity to entity expressing a high degree of complexity and detail.

an elaborate construct

Replaces the idea of quantity as something constructed and elaborate.

a multifarious aggregate

Aggregate is a collection or sum of items, so this alternative phrase implies a collection of various items or numbers.

FAQs

How is "a complex quantity" used in mathematics?

In mathematics, "a complex quantity" refers to a number that has both a real and an imaginary part. It's used extensively in fields like calculus, algebra, and number theory.

What's the difference between "a real number" and "a complex quantity"?

A real number only has a real part, whereas "a complex quantity" has both a real and an imaginary part. All real numbers can be considered as complex numbers with an imaginary part equal to zero.

Where is "a complex quantity" commonly applied?

"A complex quantity" is commonly applied in physics (especially electromagnetism and quantum mechanics), engineering (signal processing, control systems), and mathematics (complex analysis).

Can I use simpler terms instead of "a complex quantity"?

While "a complex quantity" is technically precise, depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "an intricate amount", "a multifaceted magnitude", or "a composite measure".