Final answer:
A calculated field in a database is one that is derived from existing fields to dynamically compute a new value, such as a total or average. It differs from the concept of a physical field, which maps forces such as gravity or electricity. In database management, it's used to provide additional, valuable data not directly stored in the database.
Step-by-step explanation:
A calculated field, also known as computed field or derived field, is a field in a database system that is derived from one or more other fields. It is not physically stored in the database; instead, it is calculated when queried. Calculated fields are integral in databases for performing dynamic calculations, which use the existing data to compute values such as totals, averages, and other aggregated measures.
The concept of a field in this context is different from the physical sciences concept such as a gravitational or electric field, which maps the forces surrounding an object. In computers and technology, particularly database management, a calculated field often serves as a means to present a value that is derived based on other data within the database. For example, a sales database might have a calculated field that multiplies the number of items sold by the price of each item to determine total sales.