Usage/application of calculus in science

[Moonflower]

Hi

Currently, I have to write a research paper about application of calculus in one of these eight branches of sciences: geology, gravitation, immunology, oceanography, oncology, optics, sonics, and zoology. Can you give me an example of specific process in one of these sciences which involves calculus, which I can write a 4-5 page paper about? I've tried to look for some, like animal population model or cellular growth model in cancer, but I know hardly anything about these sciences, so I really need some help.

Thanks!

 

[lippyka]

One example of a process in one of the sciences mentioned that involves calculus is the use of differential equations to model the motion of ocean waves. This has been used to understand the dynamics of wave propagation and has been applied to design sea walls, breakwaters, and other coastal engineering projects. The differential equation describing the motion of an ocean surface wave is known as the Korteweg-de Vries equation, and it involves both partial derivatives and integrals of variables such as wave height, speed, and wavelength. By using calculus to solve this equation, it is possible to gain insight into the behavior of ocean waves, and to design structures which can better withstand their power.