In figuring out force, according to Wikpedia, it's F = dp over dt. But what's the "d" for?

Question

I know that p is momentum and t is time, but it doesn't say what d is. Thanks.

Answer 1

The d is calculus parlance for "change in". dp/dt means "change in momentun with respect to time." F=dp/dt and p=mv Mass is constant. dv/dt=a, so you get F=ma