The total derivative accounts for how a quantity changes with respect to another variable, considering all dependencies, while the partial derivative focuses solely on the explicit relationship between variables. In the example provided, the total derivative of y with respect to t incorporates both the direct dependence on t and the indirect dependence through x(t). Conversely, the partial derivative only considers the explicit dependence of y on t, ignoring the influence of x(t). This distinction is crucial in physics for accurately modeling dynamic systems. Understanding these differences enhances the application of calculus in analyzing physical phenomena.