Time differential, abbreviated as \(dt\), is an infinitesimally small increment of time. It is used to analyze how physical quantities change at exact moments rather than over measurable intervals. By breaking time into these extremely small pieces, calculus allows us to define instantaneous rates of change, such as velocity, acceleration, or force. The time differential does not represent a clock measurable duration, instead, it is a mathematical tool that enables continuous modeling of motion and dynamic processes. \(dt\) forms the basis for differential equations in physics, providing the framework for describing how systems evolve from one instant to the next.
This symbol is itself the formula, because time is treated as a single variable. The differential \(dt\) is used in equations involving rates of change, motion, energy, fluid flow, and many other time-dependent processes. It expresses a very small interval of time over which quantities can be measured or integrated.
