Friday, February 11, 2011

what are the basic mathematics used in physics?

To derive the basic laws of motion, you need Calculus. 
The only types of problems possible without Calculus are constant acceleration
problems.  Most of the laws in physics are stated in Calculus notation.  F=ma, was
actully written by Newton as the force is the time derivative of momentum.  This is why
space ships can move.  As you get deeper into Physics you find that most physical
phenomina can be modeled by a differential equation, which you need Calculus to solve or
appoximate.  Even throwing a baseball or hitting a golf ball do not follow the simple
approach shown in Physics textbooks without calculus.  The Physics you can do with
algebra alone is mysterious and almost useless.   I do agree that as you get deeper into
Physics you need much more complicated mathematics.

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