Final answer:
Early attempts to solve the area under a curve were hindered by the lack of mathematical tools, but Isaac Newton's invention of calculus helped overcome this obstacle in physics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early attempts to devise mechanical mechanisms for solving the area under a curve in physics were hindered by the lack of mathematical tools, specifically calculus, which had not yet been developed. However, Isaac Newton was able to overcome this obstacle and invent calculus to address this problem. Calculus allowed scientists to analyze how the force of gravity changes with increasing distance.
This difficulty can be attributed to the masses used in the apparatus and the strength of the gravitational force. The masses used in the apparatus need to be carefully chosen in order to observe measurable effects and draw accurate conclusions. Similarly, the strength of the gravitational force must be considered because it affects the behavior of objects and requires precise calculations.
In summary, early attempts to solve the area under a curve in physics were hindered by the lack of mathematical tools. However, Isaac Newton's development of calculus enabled scientists to analyze the force of gravity and overcome these difficulties.