A time derivative is a derivative of a function with respect to time, usually interpreted as the rate of change of the value of the function. The variable denoting time is usually written as .
A variety of notations are used to denote the time derivative. In addition to the normal (Leibniz's) notation,
A very common short-hand notation used, especially in physics, is the 'over-dot'. I.E.
(This is called Newton's notation)
Higher time derivatives are also used: the second derivative with respect to time is written as
with the corresponding shorthand of .
As a generalization, the time derivative of a vector, say:
is defined as the vector whose components are the derivatives of the components of the original vector. That is,
Time derivatives are a key concept in physics. For example, for a changing position , its time derivative is its velocity, and its second derivative with respect to time, , is its acceleration. Even higher derivatives are sometimes also used: the third derivative of position with respect to time is known as the jerk. See motion graphs and derivatives.